Grocer Lloyd Tate was hit with a suspended sentence and costs of more than £5,000 by Brent Magistrates Court for the unauthorised supply of alcohol from his shop Lloyd’s Groceries in Craven Park, Harlesden.
Following a successful prosecution by Brent Council’s legal team, Mr Tate was found guilty of eight charges and sentenced on 5 August 2021 to six weeks’ custody, suspended for one year. The court also ordered the confiscation of all alcohol seized from the shop and warned him should he commit any further offence, the court will activate his prison sentence. He is to pay the council’s full costs of £5,013, plus a victim surcharge of £128, totalling £5,141.
Evidence was presented in the case by both the council’s Licensing and Anti-Social Behaviour Officers as well as the police. The court heard how street drinkers would go into the shop with empty cups and came out with them full as the business sold alcohol without the required council licence. The illicit source of alcohol, contributed to drunkenness and antisocial behaviour in the area. Checks were made at the shop on two occasions during March and May 2020 where evidence was obtained showing that alcohol was being kept on the premises and being exposed for sale, without the required licence.
The Magistrates stated the evidence was compelling and learnt that Mr Tate had two previous convictions for similar offending. In his defence, Mr Tate stated he was keeping the alcohol for his granddaughter who has a bar nearby.
Cllr Promise Knight, Lead Member for Community Safety and Engagement at Brent Council, said “There are strict licensing requirements for businesses who wish to supply alcohol and these are required to prevent crime and nuisance and to keep the public safe. Where the few irresponsible traders chose to ignore the law, we will take tough action to ensure fair and legal competition between businesses and protect our local residents”.
If you believe a business is illegally supplying alcohol or breaching its license conditions, you can report them to the council for investigation at business.license@brent.gov.uk.
