Birmingham shop under scrutiny after 'quantity of cannabis' found on the premises

Birmingham chiefs reviewed the shop’s licence to serve alcohol on Wednesday earlier this week.

Police received complaints in February that Booze Burst, on Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green, was selling illicit tobacco products. A surprise visit from West Midlands Police and Trading Standards found no illicit tobacco but did find cannabis and a grinder in a rucksack, and more cannabis in a vehicle parked outside.

A total of £690 was found on the sole member of staff in mixed £20 and £50 notes, and ‘approximately 52,000’ small sealable bags on the premises. A van connected to the individual was also searched later and contained 300 cannabis lollies and more cannabis.

When confronted by officers, the member of staff to whom the cannabis and cash belonged reportedly gave the excuse: "A lot of people pay with 50s around here!"

The man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply, but was later charged with just possession of cannabis.

The shop first appeared on the radar of authorities after a string of licence breaches beginning in 2014. Trading Standards conducted an underage test alcohol purchase after receiving a complaint, after which a member of staff blamed his poor health, needing glasses, and only having one eye as the reasons alcohol was sold to a child.

In 2019, 22 packs of foreign cigarettes were found behind the till, then in 2020, four bottles of whisky were found under the counter still with store retail security tags attached, despite the shop having no system for removing the tags.

At Wednesday’s licensing committee meeting, Chris Jones of West Midlands Police told councillors he’d had ‘concerns’ over the management of the shop over a ‘number of years’. He also said that the two brothers of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) seemed to be the main source of employment for the shop and were there when ‘things were going array’.

An agreement was reached between the authorities and Booze Burst that would see both brothers having no further involvement in the operation of the business. A new DPS will also be instated and Challenge 25 training must be undertaken by staff.

Councillors will now consider the evidence and the conditions of the agreement. A decision is expected within five working days.