The owner of two convenience stores in Lincoln has been banned from selling alcohol anywhere in the UK, following a sucessful prosecution by Lincolnshire Trading Standards.

Khalid Jasim was found guilty of six offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 for dealing in illicit tobacco and alcohol.

He was also ordered to pay fines and costs totalling more than £1,000.

It follows the seizure of counterfeit and smuggled tobacco from both of Khalid’s International Foods stores in the city.

The 28-year-old retailer pleaded guilty to all offences, citing ignorance and inexperience as his defence.

“Lack of knowledge and experience is not an excuse for breaking the law,” said Paul Dolby, senior Trading Standards officer.  “Retailers have a duty to understand how the law applies to them - and how they should follow it to ensure the safety of their customers. We’re here to help shop owners follow their obligations. But where they don’t, our crackdown will continue to protect consumers from them.”