Concerns over a Carlisle mini-market’s CCTV system has prompted a licence review.
The Home Office has asked Cumberland Council to review the licence held by Nally Mini Market on Botchergate because it said it had failed to meet its current conditions.
A report, to be considered by the authority’s licensing sub-committee includes a submission from Cumbria police.
PC Heidi Underwood said there were three breaches of the licensing objectives including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and protection of children from harm.
She added: “Police visited the premises in company with the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Officers in relation to illegal working practices.
“Whilst at the premises, police requested to review footage from the CCTV. However the CCTV in the premises was highly inadequate, the staff, including the manager, were not trained in how to use the system or how to download footage when requested, and on requesting CCTV for specific dates the footage was not available.”
Nally Mini Market was first licensed on October 14, 2022, and the licence is held by Nally Mini Market Limited with Abdul Rahman Shamal named on behalf of the limited company.
A redacted police statement from PC Mark Christie said: “We spent about 30 minutes trying to operate the CCTV system and it was established that, not only was there not anyone on site who could operate the system.
“When [REDACTED] tried, his mouse control was damaged making access and use very difficult and when attempting to access the system and footage he did not know the password, offering over seven different incorrect passwords.”
The government department had initially raised concerns that the store had not satisfied officers regarding the prevention of illegal working at the site, which is licensed for the sale of alcohol.
However, a redacted email from Immigration Enforcement to the council’s licensing team confirmed that no further action was being taken in respect of illegal working.
The sub-committee is due to meet at the Civic Centre in Carlisle on Thursday from 2pm.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the store but no one was available for comment.
