An off licence with a history of selling illicit tobacco and single cigarettes has lost its appeal against the decision for its premises licence to be revoked.

Sunny News and Off Licence on Oxford Street in Oldham lost the licence to sell alcohol following a meeting of the council's licensing panel in November of last year.

It came after the shop was found to have sold illicit and counterfeit tobacco on six separate occasions between April 2014 and February 2021.

There were also cases of selling single cigarettes and selling tobacco products to underage customers.

Following the decision to take away Sunny News' premises licence, Riaz Ahmed, the premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor, appealed against the decision.

However, the appeal was unsuccessful and the shop will no longer be able to sell alcohol and tobacco as of August 1.

In a statement, Cllr Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "Before this case was heard by the licensing committee Mr Ahmed agreed to voluntarily suspend his alcohol and tobacco licence for three months. This suspension will come into force from August 1, which is standard procedure.

"Mr Ahmed has informed us when the suspension ends he will no longer operate an off licence and will be changing the use of the premises.

"Our licensing officers will continue to monitor the issue and take further action if necessary."

Along with losing the premises licence, Mr Ahmed has been ordered to pay £525 to Oldham Council, to be paid before August 1.

Cllr Stretton thanked the members of the public who brought the case to the council's attention.

She also warned that the sale of illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to buy cigarettes and to become addicted.

The original application for the shop to lose its premises licence was submitted by Oldham Council Trading Standards on the grounds of Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety and Protection of Children from Harm.

Both Mr Ahmed and Mohammed Alam, a purported owner of the business, were issued multiple warning letters, at least one of which Mr Ahmed is said to have acknowledged and signed in 2014.

However, letters were repeatedly sent to the premises between October 2019 to January 2021 notifying them of complaints, but no answer was received and the shop continued to sell the illegal products, which were stored under the counter.

To report illegal tobacco sales anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at keep-it-out.co.uk.