A Bradford off-licence has had its alcohol licence revoked after councillors heard police evidence alleging it was heavily linked to nitrous oxide sales, illicit tobacco and repeated violent disorder.
Jimmy’s, on Great Horton Road, was the subject of a licence review brought by West Yorkshire Police.
Bradford Council’s Licensing Panel voted to revoke its alcohol licence after hearing a lengthy series of incidents connected to the premises.
Shop Displays Crime-Themed Artwork
The exterior of the business also features artwork depicting figures associated with organised crime and fictional gangster culture.
Among those displayed are Pablo Escobar alongside fictional characters Tony Montana from Scarface, Don Corleone from The Godfather, Tony Soprano from The Sopranos and Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders.
One image displayed at the premises shows several of the figures gathered around a gambling table while Thomas Shelby stands behind them holding a firearm.
The artwork was not itself cited as the basis for the licensing decision, which centred on evidence presented by police about alleged criminality and disorder linked to the premises.
Hidden Pipe And Pulley System Found
PC Kevin Lord told the panel that officers attended 97 Great Horton Road on June 5 and saw people unloading boxes into a side storage room.
Police subsequently discovered a concealed drainpipe linking the storage area with a position behind the counter of the neighbouring shop.
A rope and pulley system had also been installed.
PC Lord said the arrangement allowed goods to be moved covertly to customers.
57 Boxes Of Nitrous Oxide Seized
Police said 57 boxes of nitrous oxide were recovered during the operation.
Officers also seized 550 packets of illicit tobacco alongside alcohol and cigarettes.
Cash was allegedly discovered hidden inside ceiling tiles.
The panel was also told that police recovered what were described as medical products not licensed for sale in the UK, including oral jelly.
People arrested during the operation were later released on bail.
CCTV Showed Repeated Transfers
Police said CCTV showed substantial quantities of nitrous oxide being transferred through the concealed pipe system numerous times each day.
PC Lord described the setup as a “highly organised pre-planned operation”.
The hearing was told that Jimmy’s had become heavily linked to the sale of nitrous oxide and counterfeit cigarettes.
Further Police And HMRC Raid
On June 25, police and HMRC carried out another raid at the premises.
Non-duty-paid alcohol and other goods were seized.
The council heard that incidents associated with the site continued despite that enforcement action.
Around 15 People In Mass Brawl
PC Lord said police received reports on June 28 of around 15 people fighting outside the premises.
Groups of men were allegedly seen jumping over vehicles during the disorder.
About a week later, police received intelligence that Jimmy’s had received a substantial delivery of Smart Whip.
Nitrous Oxide Found Behind Shop
Police returned to the premises on July 8.
The panel heard that a man was seen running from the area as officers arrived.
Four boxes of nitrous oxide were subsequently found in a bin storage area behind the shop.
Customer Allegedly Beaten Unconscious
The licensing panel also heard about an alleged assault involving a customer.
Police said a man reported buying a product from the store before sitting outside.
He alleged that an individual from the shop came outside and attacked him without provocation.
The man was allegedly dragged to the side of the premises and assaulted further.
He suffered a broken finger and was said to have lost consciousness during the incident.
A suspect was arrested and later released on bail.
CCTV Footage Had Been Deleted
When investigators asked for CCTV covering the alleged assault, police said footage from the relevant period had been deleted.
The panel heard the same issue arose after another violent incident later that month.
Men With Weapons Seen Outside
On July 21, police received a further report of violent disorder.
At around 1.30am, multiple men carrying weapons were allegedly seen outside the premises.
When officers arrived, broken bottles, chairs and broom handles were found in the street.
Some men linked to the shop remained at the scene.
Police said CCTV covering the relevant period had again been deleted.
Worker Found Without Permission To Work
While investigating, officers also found a man serving customers inside the shop whose immigration status prevented him from working.
PC Lord told the panel that criminal and licensing concerns had continued despite repeated enforcement action.
Licence Holder And Company Director
The premises licence holder was identified as Ali Ahmadi Mustafa.
The business was operated by Jimmy Off Licence 3 Ltd, whose sole director is Omer Morad.
Neither attended the licensing hearing.
PC Lord said Mr Morad had previously had his personal licence revoked by Leeds Council following a conviction and alleged that he remained in control of the day-to-day operation of the business.
Licence Revoked
PC Lord told the panel there had been “ongoing criminal activity linked to this shop” and alleged links to organised crime.
Police argued additional licence conditions would not be sufficient to address the problems.
After a brief deliberation, members voted to revoke the alcohol licence.
West Yorkshire Police later confirmed that a criminal investigation remains ongoing into suspected possession with intent to supply Class C drugs.
Two men who were arrested have been released under investigation.
