Two Bolton residents, who continued to sell alcohol from a shop without a licence, have been fined more than £3,000.
Owner Jennifer Bogdan and manager Sylvia Kone-Grain of Ramiro’s Off Licence, St Helen’s Road, appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court on Friday 3 March.
The pair were charged with selling/displaying/keeping alcohol under section 136 of the Licensing Act, to which they pleaded guilty.
Bogdan was fined £1,027 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs. Kone-Grain was fined £1,274 and ordered to pay £500 costs.
In June last year, following a lengthy investigation by trading standards officers assisted by Greater Manchester Police, Ramiro’s was closed under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The shop was caught selling alcohol despite being previously banned from doing so.
The investigation first began in March 2021 when the shop was banned from selling alcohol after illegal tobacco was purchased during an undercover operation.
In November 2021 there was intelligence from local people and businesses that the shop was selling alcohol.
In April 2022 more alcohol was seized by trading standards and in total more than £10,000 worth of alcohol was seized during the searches.
Bolton Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “This business was repeatedly warned but continued to sell alcohol without a licence.
“Not only were they breaking the rules, but they were also taking business away from legitimate off licenses who operate within the law.
“We will not hesitate in taking action against anyone selling alcohol without a licence.
“Our trading standards and licensing officers have worked tirelessly on this case and now those responsible have been held to account.”