A shop in Droylsden has been refused a licence to sell alcohol due to suspected links to criminal activity. Local Choice, situated on Market Street, had its alcohol licence revoked in December 2023 under its previous name, Save More Off Licence, following repeated sales of illicit tobacco. The liquor licensing panel of Tameside Council rejected Mr Pulla Mohammed Ahmed’s application to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm during a hearing on June 8.
This was the latest attempt by the shop to regain its alcohol licence after several failed applications under different business names. Both Greater Manchester Police and the council’s licensing team urged the panel to deny the request, citing ongoing concerns about the sale of illicit goods and criminal involvement.
Police Evidence of Criminality
A statement from PC Craig Foley, presented at the hearing, detailed the shop’s history: “The premises at 77 Market Street was formerly known as Save More. That premises has a significant and well-documented history of criminality and non-compliance, including: the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products; persistent breaches of premises licence conditions; two premises licence reviews; a closure order imposed for three months, later extended by a further three months, resulting in the premises being closed for six months in total.”
PC Foley added that the flat above the shop, part of the premises rental, was previously used for cannabis cultivation by the former occupant. He stated: “It is my professional belief that individuals connected with the previous operation remain linked to the premises and that the apparent change of ownership represents an attempt to circumvent regulatory oversight and enforcement action.”
Applicant’s Criminal Record
At the meeting held at Tameside One council building, regulatory compliance officer Sharon Campbell noted that Mr Ahmed had been convicted in 2019 at Bolton Magistrates’ Court for possession and supply of illicit tobacco. Additionally, Bolton Council had refused him permission to sell alcohol at California Wines on Wigan Road in Deane due to his criminal conviction.
The licensing panel, chaired by Councillor Joyce Bowerman, highlighted that Mr Ahmed did not attend the hearing to address the concerns raised by police or the licensing authority. Consequently, the panel refused the application over fears of potential ongoing criminal activity.
