With November’s news that a number of retailers had been caught selling illicit alcohol, the availability of contraband product was sharply highlighted, but just how widespread is the problem? We asked retailers if they’d been offered illicit stock.
Mo Razzaq
Premier retailer
We’ve been offered it before. You don’t know if it’s real or fake, but you know enough to say no. I can’t understand why anyone would risk harming a customer for a few pence. These people come into your shop, ask for you by name as if they’ve done their homework. They say they’ve got a pallet of Glen’s or whatever, no receipt, no VAT. I’ve always said no immediately. It’s a stupid risk and anyone who does it should have their licence revoked. I’m glad work is being carried out to prevent it happening.
Dennis Williams
Premier retailer
It’s not something we’ve been offered but it goes on. We’ve got a high profile in the area, which may put these people off approaching us. What I would say is that anyone caught selling illicit alcohol should have their premises licence revoked. Not suspended, or not a personal licence, but the shop shouldn’t be able to continue selling alcohol. And more needs to be done to stop it, from the suppliers, and MSPs. If you don’t give out the right punishment then you’ll get more people doing it.
Leslie Kilminster
Premier/Best-one retailer
It’s never happened to us. I’ve always thought it might given one of our shops is 24 hours. Anyone caught selling illicit alcohol or tobacco should get the maximum punishment possible. If authorities impose anything less, like a licence suspension then it would just encourage more people to jump on that bandwagon. I’ve not heard of any retailers being approached in Aberdeen, but it must happen. I suspect these people visit shops first, see what they’re like before deciding whether to make an offer.
Javid Ghafur
Londis retailer
I’ve never been offered illicit alcohol, although I’ve been sent a mailshot offering me alcohol with nationwide delivery. The address isn’t real; a mish mash of different addresses. I actually had a visit from HMRC and Trading Standards. Six people came in, had a look around for 10 minutes and left. I later saw the story which showed three in 10 shops visited had sold illicit stock. I couldn’t believe it was that high, and nor could any retailers I asked. If 30% of all shops sold illicit stock we’d be awash with it.