A HEREFORD shopkeeper has relinquished his permission to sell alcohol after being given three written warnings he wasn’t complying with conditions.

Randjar Mohammed Ismail, who was the licence holder of Razi Mini Market in Widemarsh Street, apologised to Herefordshire Council’s licensing sub-committee on December 19 for the breaches.

Trading Sandards said Mr Ismail had failed to comply six times since September and was sent three written warnings.

They recommended at the hearing in Shirehall that the council revoke his licence.

West Mercia Police found that alcohol was being sold without a designated premises supervisor, which is a breach of what are known as the mandatory conditions that apply to every premises licence.

Further visits by police found that the ‘Challenge 25’ age verification condition was not being complied with, and also a window obstruction condition.

Mr Ismail said: “I apologise for everything.

“When I started the shop I tried to open my own business.

“About the licensing. I had the licence for selling alcohol at the shop.

“I wanted to support my missus, who is studying for a PhD.

“I started an online business and thought the shop isn’t for me.

“If you are not happy about the alcohol licence I am happy not to sell alcohol anymore.”

He surrendered the licence and was told the shop would no longer have permission to sell alcohol.

“Thank you for everything and I apologise,” Mr Ismail said.

He also told the committee the shop may have a new keeper in the new year.