Kent off-licences revoked over duty fraud

Two off-licences have had their licences revoked and five others suspended in Thanet, Kent over duty fraud.

In total 11 off-licences and convenience stores in Kent face a licence review after a police-led mutli-agency operation. The majority of cases involve suspected unpaid duty on Italian wine amongst other offences.

After the first round of reviews Thanet District Council opted to revoke two licences, suspend four for 21 days and another for 14 days after the owner admitted offences.

The suspensions will start on 4 and 5 January after the 21-day period for any appeal to be heard.

Operation Synergy targeted 50 off-licences in the area but only had time to visit 19, such was the extent of problems they found ranging from lack of fire certificates to counterfeit spirits and imported wine without duty paid.

Police have warned it may be the "tip of the iceberg".

"It is a good result," said police licensing officer Nigel Cruttenden. "The guy who was honest and held his hands up got the more lenient suspension.

"One had produced forged invoices, which the committee took a dim view of."