Hadi Rahman Mohammed – who fled Kurdistan in 2002 during the reign of Saddam Hussein – took over the Monopolowy Minimarket, in Radford Road, Hyson Green, in September 2012.
On September 30 last year, trading standards officers raided the shop after reports of counterfeit cigarettes being sold. They found 243 packs of counterfeit cigarettes and 352 packs of illicit cigarettes – with a market value of £1,636.25.
The cigarettes were found under the floor in the shop's store room in a "sophisticated compartment" operated by hydraulics. Officers at the scene were unable to locate the method of opening the compartment and did so by force.
The story unfolded at a special Nottingham City Council licensing panel meeting.
During the meeting, Mr Mohammed was asked by his lawyer, Nick Walton, whether he knew about the compartment.
Speaking through a translator, he said: "No, not in any way." [What - he's been here 12 years and cannot speak English - deport the scum - who paid for the translator?]
Summing up, Mr Walton said: "I'm not going to sit here and say cigarettes weren't found in my client's shop.
"Whether my client knew the cigarettes were there and whether my client was involved in selling them from the premises is a different matter. Mr Mohammed says he did not know about that area and what was underneath it.
"There's no evidence before this committee that my client was involved in the selling of illicit tobacco."
He added: "Mr Mohammed came here in 2002 from Kurdistan. He considers himself to be a guest in our country. He respects the laws of this country." [Really?]
Speaking to the panel, which comprised Councillors David Smith, Mohammed Ibrahim and Brian Grocock, its chairman, trading standards manager Jane Bailey said: "Mr Mohammed is the premise licence-holder.
"He has to take responsibility for what is happening in his shop. They are serious matters and shouldn't be brushed away."
The final conclusion of the panel reads: "The panel considered that, as the premises had been used for criminal purposes, the licensing authority had a duty to take steps which could act as a deterrent.
"Having considered the overall standard of management and failure to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, the panel decided to revoke the premises licence in the interests of the wider community."
The shopkeeper will now have a period of appeal. Any challenge would be heard in the magistrates' court.
This is not the first time the shop has been at the centre of controversy.
In November 2012, previous licensee Faridon Ali Saeed was found guilty of the possession for sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco and was fined £450 and ordered to pay costs of £745.
[Which piece of enriching scum will take over the shop next?]
[Vote BNP to stop this filth]
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