A RADFORD shop is facing losing its alcohol licence today after counterfeit cigarettes were found there.
As previously reported in the Post, sniffer dogs were sent in to Ezee Shop, in Ilkeston Road, on August 9, 2012, by Notts Police and Nottingham City Trading Standards.
Almost 100 packets of cigarettes and tobacco hidden behind a metal shelving unit under the till were discovered.
None of the items had the correct health warnings. Further examinations found 74 of the products were counterfeit.
Owner and licence holder Anwar Abbas was out of the country when the search was carried out.
In a report, Jane Bailey, of Trading Standards, said: "The tobacco found at Ezee was clearly smuggled tobacco.
"Even if Mr Abbas knew nothing about the illicit and counterfeit tobacco being sold from his premises, he has left his store open to abuse by not taking the actions any responsible retailers would be expected to take."
Mr Abbas said he had left a Mr Ali in charge of the store while he was abroad. He originally intended to be away for a month but extended his stay because his mother was ill.
A licence is not needed to sell tobacco but selling counterfeit cigarettes is serious enough to warrant a review of an alcohol licence.
The city special licensing panel meets to debate the issue at Loxley House at 10.30am.