A Retford store caught selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco has had its Premise Licence revoked by Bassetlaw District Council, meaning it can no longer sell alcohol.
At a hearing on 3rd September 2025, members of the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the Premise Licence of Retford Market LTD at 31 Market Square, following a request from Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards on 10th July 2025.
The committee heard from a Trading Standards officer who reported that someone had been seen leaving the store carrying illegal cigarettes and, during a search of the premises, 3,800 illegal cigarettes and 4 kg of rolling tobacco were found in a waste bin at the back of the property.
The Sub-Committee also heard that the Director of the company holding the Premise Licence, Mostafa Mahmoodi and his business associate Soran Mahmoodi had a previous conviction for the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes in January 2024 at a business they operated in Doncaster.
Mostafa Mahmoodi denied responsibility for the illegal tobacco, but the Sub-Committee found, on the evidence before it, that it was under their control and was being sold from their premises.
Due to the severity of the illegal sales, and a previous conviction for a similar offence, the Sub-Committee took the decision to revoke the Premise Licence from the 2nd October 2025, meaning Retford Market Ltd is no longer permitted to sell alcohol.
Enforcement checks continue to ensure it is not sold illegally from the premises.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “We welcome the efforts of the County Council’s Trading Standards team for exposing the sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco at this store.
“Our decision to revoke its Premise Licence sends a strong and clear message to other retailers: illegal tobacco sales will not be tolerated, and decisive action will be taken where clear evidence is found.”
Last Updated on Monday, December 8, 2025