Half of publicans risked licence by turning a blind eye to dodgy dealers

Research from Churchill Home Insurance found that 5.3 million Brits have purchased goods on licensed premises, including pubs and bars, creating a black market worth £1.5 billion.

14% of pub workers have seen unlicensed traders in action, with only 56% kicking the offenders out and 23% barring them.

Partner at licensing lawyers Poppleston Allen Jonathan Smith told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser​: “They could ultimately lose their licence, since if they do turn a blind eye then they are effectively condoning an illegal activity on licensed premises - which would undermine the crime and disorder licensing objectives.”

Smith was involved with a recent case in which stolen goods were knowingly being sold in a pub, and the risk was not worth it for the licensee after the police raided the venue.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance, said:  “The desire to bag a bargain has created an environment where it is easy for burglars to dispose of stolen goods and the public may be unwittingly helping to perpetuate local crime. 

“If something is offered at a cheap price in the pub, remember it could well be stolen and you could be prosecuted for handling stolen goods.”

Top ten items purchased from unlicensed dealers in licensed premises:​

1. Food
2. DVDs/CDs
3. Cigarettes
4. Clothing
5. Mobile phone
6. Drugs
7. Jewellery
8. Alcohol
9. Laptops/TVs/Tablets

In research, Churchill interviewed one former unlicensed dealer, who explained his methods.

“Even with booze and fags I would just go round all the pubs in town with a carrier bag. It was a good way to get rid of stuff quickly,” he said.

“Most people in the pubs would want to buy it.  They would not ask questions. Most people don't ask questions. I think they take it for granted that they are stolen. They are aware that this is how you come by a high volume of items like that.”

Research also found that 3% of Brits would buy goods if the price was cheap enough without caring if it was stolen. Those who buy from the black market spend an average of £289.

Ex-burglars interviewed said they were able to sell on stolen goods incredibly easily in pubs because people people didn't question where the goods came from.

Regional stats​