Off-Licence Loses Operating Licence Following Allegations of Gang Use and Drug Dealing

The operating licence for an off-licence, which law enforcement suspects served as a “base” for a gang, has been withdrawn following a committee hearing where its alleged use for drug dealing was presented. Police officials informed Stevenage Borough Council about evidence indicating drug use, anti-social behaviour, and clashes between competing gangs linked to Oval Wines, situated within The Oval shopping precinct in Stevenage. Emrah Oruc’s solicitor, representing the licence holder, asserted that there was “no evidence” of drug transactions occurring inside the shop and that the proprietor bore “limited responsibility” for incidents taking place beyond the establishment’s confines. During the licensing committee meeting, it was revealed that Hertfordshire County Council’s trading standards unit had confiscated illicit cigarette cartons and discovered Viagra jellies, which are typically restricted to sale by pharmacists. Furthermore, the committee was informed that Hertfordshire Police officers, employing drug testing wipes, detected cocaine residue on the retail outlet’s counters. Footage depicting a confrontation that occurred on August 30 was presented to the councillors. Gill Akroyd, a senior licensing officer for the police, stated: “During the incident, in which machetes were seen, gang members were able to hide in the shop and use the rear door as an escape route.” Law enforcement personnel also discovered merchandise for sale that they suspected was intended for drug storage, including “very small, self-sealing type bags” and “bags with a Bob Marley picture printed on them”. Mr. Oruc’s solicitor conveyed to the hearing that “we do not understand” how drug traces were detected on the counter, adding that the confiscated bags were “sold across the country”. The police’s application for a licence review asserted: “Members of The Oval ‘gang’ use this as their hub, and constantly frequent the shop and gather in close proximity outside.” It further noted that these individuals were “causing distress and anti-social behaviour” in the vicinity when congregating in groups of “as many as 20 to 30 people”. When police requested CCTV footage from the establishment, a mandatory condition of its licence, it was not available. Nevertheless, Mr. Oruc’s solicitor informed the hearing that the CCTV system was inoperative at the time of the request but had since been replaced and was functioning once more. The solicitor also presented a revised licence proposal; however, councillors dismissed these arguments and rescinded the current licence. Oval Wines’ licence underwent a prior review in 2023 following the conviction of the then-licence holder, Emrah Demirci, for rape. The licence was subsequently transferred to Mr. Oruc, who retains the right to challenge this decision in a magistrates’ court.