Ocean Supermarket still selling alcohol after fake vodka offence (From Gazette)

Ocean Supermarket still selling alcohol after fake vodka offence

12:00pm Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News By James Cox

A SUPERMARKET caught selling fake booze is still stocking alcohol after appealing against its ban.

Colchester Council said it was “frustrating” Ocean Supermarket was allowed to continue trading as normal, despite a decision to revoke its drinks licence.

Trading Standards inspectors found the shop, in North Station Road, Colchester, was selling fake vodka. The council’s licensing committee voted to cancel the alcohol licence in a behind-closed-doors meeting in July. But owner, Hawker Korshid, said he had no idea the drink was counterfeit and vowed to fight the decision.

Rules state he can continue to sell alcohol while the appeal is on-going. All parties will appear in court to decide the future of the licence, with no date confirmed.

A council spokesman said: “We made contact with the court following expiration of the 21-day appeal period.

“They advised the supermarket has lodged appeal papers. Under law, this has the effect of delaying the revocation until the appeal has been dispensed with.

“Trading from the premises, whilst frustrating, is totally lawful. “None of this detracts from their requirement to uphold the law and to conform to their licence conditions. These matters will be monitored.

“There is no court date yet, given we have not been officially served with papers to date.’’ Contacted last month, Mr Korshid said he bought the vodka legally from a recognised cash-and-carry. He said he had no idea it was fake until he received written notification from Trading Standards. He was unavailable for comment last night.

Trading Standards officers said the vodka could have been harmful for consumption after tests revealed chemicals in the drink.