A convenience store in Trowbridge, known as 7 Days Trowbridge, has had its alcohol licence permanently revoked due to ongoing illegal tobacco sales. The store, located at 6 & 7 Wicker Hill, was first ordered to close for four weeks by Salisbury magistrates on 19 June.
At a licensing hearing on July 10, Wiltshire Council’s western area licensing sub-committee determined that the business had repeatedly failed to uphold its responsibilities to prevent crime and ensure public safety. Licensing officers highlighted a consistent pattern of violating tobacco control laws and non-compliance with licensing objectives.
The licence holder, 7 Days Trowbridge Ltd, failed to update its registered address and unlawfully expanded the premises into an adjacent property without seeking approval from the licensing authority. Additionally, the business ignored a previous suspension of its licence.
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Owned and operated by Hawkar Mohamed since its opening in 2022, the store has been under frequent investigation. Trading Standards officers have seized illegal disposable vapes, counterfeit tobacco, and large cash sums since September 2022. Despite verbal and written warnings, illicit activities persisted throughout 2023, 2024, and into 2025.
In April 2025, Wiltshire Police stopped a man near the store who was found carrying hundreds of illegal tobacco packets and over £1,200 in cash. The individual had keys to the shop and claimed to be staying there. A subsequent police search uncovered more illicit tobacco products and over £3,000 in cash inside the premises. Additional cash (£2,500) was found on Mr Mohamed upon his arrival.
Cllr Paul Sample, cabinet member for environment, climate and waste, commented: “Mr Mohamed has been subject to numerous investigations by our Trading Standards team. Despite several warnings and enforcement actions, illegal activities have continued. The sub-committee had serious concerns regarding the business’s compliance with licensing objectives, resulting in the licence being revoked.”