'Fake vodka shop a danger to public safety' (From Gazette)

'Fake vodka shop a danger to public safety'

1:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

ALLOWING a shop to serve alcohol months after it was found to be selling counterfeit vodka is a danger to the public, according to licensing boss.

Ocean Supermarket, in North Station Road, was banned from selling alcohol for a year by Colchester Council.

But last week, the shop’s solicitor struck a deal with the council, which means after 12 weeks, the shop will be able to sell drink again as long as the store’s lease and alcohol licence are no longer in owner Hawker Korshid’s name.

Now Mike Lilley, a member of the three-strong licensing sub-committee which made the original decision in July 2012, said: “It is a strange decision to let somewhere which was selling counterfeit alcohol sell again after just three months.

“I am not happy about it. We made the decision because of the risk to public safety.”

Mr Lilley also said Ocean Supermarket was able to appeal Colchester Council’s decision because Essex County Council Trading Standards decided prosecuting the store.

“Trading Standards should have prosecuted,” he added.

“The owner admitted to selling counterfeit vodka. If that is not a danger to the public, I don’t know what is.”

Mr Lilley has asked Tim Young, councillor responsible for public safety, to take the matter to the council’s executive management team.