UK store in Wolverhampton loses license for illegal cigarette and alcohol sales

Key points:

Violation: A store in Wolverhampton, England, illegally sold cigarettes and e-cigarettes, sold alcohol without a license, sold single cigarettes to students, failed to designate a supervisor, display permits as required, and continued to violate regulations despite multiple warnings and secret tests. 

Outcome of the investigation: The city council revoked the store's operating license due to the owner's repeated non-compliance. 

The store owner's defense: They claimed that the illegal cigarettes were for personal or family use, and the e-cigarettes were purchased by mistake. Their legal representative argued that the city council did not clearly specify permit requirements in advance.

According to a report from Birmingham Live on August 12, a shop in Wolverhampton, England had its business license revoked by the city council for illegally selling cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and alcohol without a license. Despite multiple warnings from the council, the shop owner Manjit Singh Dhillon continued to violate regulations by selling these items.

During the city council hearing, the store owner made a "ridiculous" defense for the large amount of duty-free cigarettes found in the store, claiming that they were for personal use. However, the city council did not accept this explanation.

Furthermore, the city council expressed concerns over stores selling individual cigarettes to students at nearby schools. Despite receiving strong warnings about banning the display and sale of alcohol, the shop owners did not take corrective measures. This behavior is seen as a failure to fulfill their management responsibilities.

During the hearing, Dhillon expressed "deep regret" for his misconduct and illegal items, explaining that these mistakes occurred during a very difficult personal period. His brother passed away in 2023, an event that not only affected Dhillon personally, but also added to the pressure of managing his business while supporting his family.

Dhillon also provides free cigarettes to customers who are unable to purchase them, and the confiscated e-cigarette was purchased by him under the belief that it was legal and commercially available. His legal representative argues that if the city council had provided a list of licensing requirements, the issue could have been "resolved much earlier.

According to city council records, the store has not appointed a supervisor since 2023, which is in violation of its licensing requirements. Inspections by city council staff revealed the presence of untaxed cigarettes and illegal e-cigarettes in the store. Additionally, during an inspection in April 2025, the store's license was not found displayed, and Dhillon could not be located.

During a recent inspection, it was discovered that despite multiple warnings, the store continued to sell alcohol. During a routine check in April 2025, council workers found 24 packs of illegal cigarettes and over 130 illegal e-cigarettes. Dhillon explained that the cigarettes were duty-free goods purchased by his son while on vacation.