Blakenall Mini Mart, a convenience store in Walsall, faces a licence review after a series of breaches including the sale of alcohol to minors and the discovery of illicit tobacco products. Councillors will decide the shop's fate at a meeting on Monday, August 10, following requests from Trading Standards, West Midlands Police, and the council's public health team to revoke the licence.
Undercover operations uncover illegal sales
In two separate instances, in June 2024 and July 2026, Trading Standards officers purchased 20-cigarette packs for £5 each that were suspected to be counterfeit. The store's practices came under further scrutiny in July 2025 when two 16-year-old volunteers successfully bought a bottle of WKD Blue without being asked for identification.
The following year, in May 2026, Trading Standards conducted a raid on the premises, seizing 960 cigarettes and 3.1 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco. This significant haul highlighted the scale of illegal activity at the shop.
Licence suspension and continued trading
In May 2026, Walsall Council suspended the licence after the annual fee, due in October 2025, remained unpaid. Despite the suspension, the store continued to sell alcohol, which constituted unauthorized licensable activity. This persistence in trading despite suspension added to the gravity of the situation.
History of the licence holder
The current licence holder, Mr Salam Hussein Khiziryan, has held the licence for Blakenall Mini Mart since October 2025. While some incidents occurred before his takeover, the review document notes that he was previously an assistant at another premises on Stafford Road, Walsall.
During his time at that location, officers seized 200 illicit cigarettes in August 2025 and found 140 illicit cigarettes hidden in a toilet cistern in February 2026. Mr Khiziryan was present on both occasions, indicating a pattern of involvement with illegal tobacco sales.
Council to decide on revocation
The licensing and safety committee of Walsall Council will convene on August 10 to determine whether to revoke the licence. The collective request from Trading Standards, the police, and public health officials underscores the seriousness of the breaches, described as 'long term and regular'.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on illicit tobacco and underage alcohol sales in the region. The outcome of the review will be closely watched by local residents and businesses alike.
