A shop linked to a haul of smuggled cigarettes has been left without a premises licence, after councillors unanimously voted to revoke it.

Yarmouth Food & Wine on King Street in Great Yarmouth was subject to a premises licence review by Great Yarmouth Borough Council following an application by Norfolk Trading Standards officer Brian Chatten.

At a meeting of the borough council’s licensing committee, councillors heard evidence from trading standards and the police regarding the shop, which, on Monday, September 11, was subject of an inspection and search for illicit cigarettes.

After hearing the evidence - which was given behind closed doors due to impending criminal proceedings - members of the committee unanimously voted in favour of revoking the licence.

This now means the licence holder - Hasan Obiert - has 21 days to appeal the decision if he wishes for the shop to continue selling alcohol to customers.

David Lowens, a solicitor for nplaw representing the council, said: “The committee feels the necessary action is the revocation of the licence.”