Wolverhampton shop accused of employing 12-year-olds has licence revoked
An off-licence in Bilston has had its licence revoked following allegations of serious crime, including claims that it employed children as young as 12.
Evo Spirits is also being investigated over alleged illegal money lending and breaching environmental laws.
At a behind closed doors meeting on Wednesday of Wolverhampton City Council's licensing committee, the premises licence was revoked.
The owners of the store, at 65 High Street, today told the Express & Star they would be appealing the decision.
Councillor Alan Bolshaw, chairman of the licensing committee, said: "In matters of public safety, people will expect no less than the swift, decisive, robust action we have taken."
The licence review was carried out at the request of the police.
At Wednesday's meeting, members of the panel heard submissions from the police detailing the claims which are subject to an ongoing investigation.
Licensing, trading standards and safeguarding officers from the council also outlined concerns.
The owners have 21 days to appeal the decision, but can continue to trade during this period under strict conditions previously imposed by licensing chiefs relating to changes in management and minimum staffing levels.
Owner Permjit Singh Dhillon, who has worked at the shop for 10 years before buying it from his brother last year, said he would be appealing the decision.
He said: "I will appeal this decision straight away because I do not think it is fair.
"The council have just thrown this on us, we wanted to delay the hearing so we could try and get to the bottom of where the allegations are coming from but our request was ignored.
"These allegations are completely unjust and when this happens to you, you feel like the earth has been taken from under your feet.
"I am extremely disappointed because to me, this shop has always had a strong relationship with police, the local council and of course the community.
"I will do whatever I have to do to clear my name now and I am confident that the truth will come out."
The sub committee decided to revoke the premises licence on the grounds of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.
Councillor Bolshaw added that due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the ongoing police investigation, the authority was limited in what detail it could disclose.
Police declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
