Shop loses licence after drugs and weapons found

A shop has been stripped of its alcohol licence after drugs and offensive weapons were found on the premises.

Bradford Council's licensing panel said it had taken action against the Best One store in Little Germany to prevent "crime and disorder".

West Yorkshire Police told the panel it had received intelligence over a "prolonged period" about potential criminality associated with the Peckover Street shop, including the sale of drugs and illicit tobacco.

In a report presented to the panel on Monday, the force said it had "serious concerns" regarding the management and operation of the premises.

It said: "On July 15, police attended the premises and discovered controlled drugs, amounts of cash and offensive weapons.

"As a result, a criminal investigation was commenced and remains ongoing.

"These circumstances raise serious concerns regarding the management and operation of the premises, together with the ability of the Premises Licence Holder and Designated Premises Supervisor to promote the licensing objectives."

While the panel's decision was made in public, much of the meeting took place in private because it would "prejudice ongoing investigations, and impact on future criminal proceedings," police said.

Chair of the panel, Paul Golding said the operation of the premises "undermined" the licence objectives", including "prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm".

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