Shop fined after stocking alcohol despite licence ban

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 20:34

By David Murphy

A Bury off-licence owner has been fined after being caught with alcohol on display months after his shop’s licence had been revoked.

A former off-licence owner has been prosecuted for breaching licensing laws after stocking alcohol on his shop shelves despite having no right to sell it.

Mohzam Ali Shah, who ran Killon Street Off Licence on Price Street in Bury, was fined at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court after admitting he had kept and displayed alcohol for unauthorised sale.

Shah pleaded guilty on 26 June 2025 and was ordered to pay a total of £1,367.21, including a £200 fine, £1,087.21 in prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The alcohol was also forfeited and ordered to be destroyed.

His shop’s premises licence had been revoked in 2024 following a review by Bury Council’s licensing service.

Speaking after the hearing, Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, economy and skills, said the prosecution sends a "clear message" that the council will not tolerate breaches of licensing laws.

She added: “We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that residents are informed and protected.”

Bury Council continues to work alongside Greater Manchester Police, trading standards and immigration enforcement to uphold the four key licensing objectives:

Preventing crime and disorder
Ensuring public safety
Preventing public nuisance
Protecting children from harm

The council has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal alcohol sales and says it will continue regular checks on licensed premises across the borough.