TWO off-licences in Manchester Road have been forced to empty their shelves of alcohol and tobacco after failing to meet their legal obligations.

The two stores have had their licences removed after spot checks by inspectors found they were not up to scratch.

Groszek Polski Sklep was visited on February 4. Licensing officers found a number of breaches, including the fact that it had no CCTV installed, no ‘challenge 21’ scheme in place and no incident book for the recording of complaints, disorderly incidents and alcohol refusals.

When officers entered the premises they found just one man in the store serving behind the till.

Immigration checks showed he did not have permission to work in the UK.

In December, another licensing team carried out an unannounced check on EFES Off Licence

They found that staff were not carrying out a weekly stock check of alcohol and tobacco, which they are required to do by law.

A member of staff identified during the visit was later arrested for being in the country illegally and is now being dealt with by immigration officers.

The owners of both premises were given 21 days to appeal.

Both shops are still operating and a visit by the Adver showed they were adhering to the requirement not to sell alcohol of tobacco.

EFES Off Licence has undergone a change of name and is now operating from the same premises as Bezni Bazaar.

PC Mike Diffin, a licensing officer with Wiltshire Police, said:“This is another good example of us working successfully together with Swindon Borough Council and the wider community of Broadgreen - listening to the views and concerns of those living and working in the area.

“My message to local people is: Wiltshire Police licensing officers will continue to take action against any premises that are involved in criminality.

“Employing people illegally in the UK and those who do not have the right to work is deemed a serious breach of the licensing objectives and licence holders must ensure that thorough checks are made on staff before their employment.

“Licensees have a responsibility to comply with these objectives and failure to do so, as shown in these cases, will result in the ultimate sanction of the revocation of the premises’ licence.

“If you are concerned about any illegal activity taking place in shops and businesses in your area then call us on 101 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 and we will investigate.”

Oliver Donachie, the cabinet member responsible for licensing, said: “These two off licenses showed a blatant disregard for the licensing laws and were contributing to anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhood by selling alcohol illegally and inappropriately.

“I hope the action we took, in partnership with Wiltshire Police will act as a deterrent to others.”