Newsagent's off-licence scheme refused

David Smith, aged 24, runs a shop in Verdon Street, Pitsmoor - and wanted to take on a former post office next door, which has been empty since it closed a year ago.

But Insp John Ekwubiri, of Burngreave safer neighbourhood policing team, said: "South Yorkshire Police oppose the application on the grounds of crime and disorder.

"This relates to a recent incident involving the applicant and the premises he currently owns next door. Information has come to our attention that Customs and Excise recently executed a warrant at the premises and seized a large quantity of illegally imported cigarettes.

"At this stage, we suspect that the applicant has been involved in this incident. Inquiries are still ongoing and, as a result, the investigation is not yet complete."

Insp Ekwubiri's concerns were upheld by Sheffield Council's licensing committee, which refused Mr Smith's application. But the news-agent, of Princess Road, Dronfield, said: "I was not involved with the cigarettes and have not been arrested. I wasn't very happy with the result of the licensing committee but I won't be appealing against the decision."

Customs and Excise seized 70,000 illegal cigarettes from Mr Smith's shop.

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