Oxford convenience shop hit by another problem

Baweja Superstore, of Abingdon Road, has come under fire once again and this time it is for what it has been caught with.

Evidence was given to an Oxford City Council licensing committee that illegal tobacco was stored in the shop, repeated breaches of tobacco display requirements and concerns about the storage of fireworks at the premises.

After hearing representations from trading standards and the legal representative of the business, Oxford city councillor James Taylor, chair of the licensing sub-committee, delivered the decision to revoke the premise’s licence.

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The meeting, on July 27, came months after Food Standards Agency officials slammed the shop’s standards.

It was given a score of just one out of five, meaning “major improvements” are needed, when inspected in April.

Management of food safety at the venue required ‘urgent improvement’, according to inspectors.

This refers to whether there is a system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat.

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It also concerns whether there is evidence that staff know about food safety and if the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.

The cleanliness and condition of both the facilities and the building and the hygienic handling of food were also deemed ‘major improvement necessary’.

In October, Trading Standards officials seized 89 packs of illegal cigarettes, including 55 confirmed as counterfeit and 34 identified as non-duty paid.

Officers also found tobacco products on open display and fireworks stored in a manner described by the explosives officer as “very poor”.

Further evidence presented to the licensing committee included previous enforcement action involving Tamanpreet Singh, the sole director, premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor of Baweja Superstore.

This related to the supply of illegal vapes at another business in Windsor, which led to a prosecution, and the recent seizure of illegal tobacco products from a separate shop in Hertfordshire, where he was also the premises licence holder.

Trading Standards operations manager Davina Walkin said: “I’m proud of the work our officers have done in this case, and we will continue to pursue those who undermine legitimate businesses and put consumers at risk.

“Businesses involved in the illegal tobacco trade can expect us to take firm action.”

Kate Gregory, cabinet member for public health and inequalities, added: “I would like to thank our trading standards officers for their vigilance and dedication in protecting Oxfordshire residents and supporting legitimate businesses.

“This decision sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and other unlawful activity linked to licensed premises will not be tolerated.

“We will continue to support robust enforcement action against those who undermine public health, community safety and honest traders.”