Shop has licence revoked following seizure of suspected stolen and illicit alcohol 

Biedronka, a convenience store on Stapleton Road in Bristol has had its licence to sell alcohol revoked following the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected illicit and stolen alcohol. 

The decision was made unanimously by members of the licensing committee at a recent hearing. 

It follows a joint operation involving partner agencies including Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration Enforcement, working alongside local Neighbourhood Policing Teams to tackle criminality linked to commercial premises along Stapleton Road. 

During the operation, officers identified and seized a number of suspected stolen items from the premises. Among the goods recovered were bottles of wine displaying the branding of other retailers, as well as items still bearing security tags. 

Earlier this year, the premises also failed a test purchase operation after alcohol was sold to a child under the age of 18 without the appropriate age verification checks being carried out. 

This activity forms part of ongoing work through the Love Stapleton Road Partnership, which brings together police and partner agencies to tackle criminality, support legitimate businesses, protect local communities and keep neighbourhoods safe. 

Speaking following the licensing committee’s decision, Acting Sergeant for Clear, Hold, Build Tom Richards said:  

“The unanimous decision to revoke Biedronka’s alcohol sale licence is another important step in tackling criminality and protecting the communities along Stapleton Road. 

“I’d like to thank our partners and colleagues for their hard work in securing this outcome. Through the Love Stapleton Road Partnership, we will continue to work together to address the issues that concern residents and businesses, support positive change, and ensure those who undermine our communities are held to account.” 

Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, said:  

“Businesses that are acting illegitimately put residents at risk, reduce tax income that helps fund public services, and can be linked to wider crime and exploitation.  

“Through the Love Stapleton Road Partnership we are taking action against criminality and helping to support legitimate businesses and keep our neighbourhoods safe. I am grateful for the hard work of our Trading Standards team and our partners which has led to another successful joint operation, removing and preventing illegal behaviour in our communities.”