Sandwell Council has revoked the premises licence for the Best One convenience store in Market Place, Great Bridge, following an inquiry into a missing winning lottery ticket.
Licence holder gave conflicting accounts
The decision followed an investigation in which the store supervisor, identified in hearing documents as Vincent Shaanmugarajah Thamilnesan, was accused of taking a winning ticket. The customer initially received £30 but later realised the full prize should have been substantially higher. Police later determined the ticket was worth £920.
"The panel had no confidence in his ability to hold a licence,"
The hearing heard that Thamilnesan admitted the ticket theft to police and agreed to a community resolution, an informal, out-of-court settlement. However, he gave different explanations about his role in the incident at different stages of the inquiry, prompting licensing officers to raise concerns.
Evidence gaps hampered the police inquiry
Members were told that CCTV footage from the shop, which by licensing rules should have been retained for at least a month, had been recorded over a week earlier. Investigating officers said the missing footage "hampered" their probe. The store supervisor reportedly changed his account between initial statements and a later interview, and at one point said he could not access CCTV because he was not the owner.
- Initial payout: £30 given to the customer
- Actual prize: £920
- Outcome: Premises licence revoked by Sandwell Council
What the committee considered
Sandwell Council's licensing enforcement officer told councillors they had "serious concerns" about the way the shop had handled the matter and urged them to consider revocation. Licensing committee chair Matt Lloyd said the varying accounts and the lack of retained CCTV left the panel without confidence in the licence holder's suitability.
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Store | Best One, Market Place, Great Bridge, Tipton |
| Individual | Licence holder / supervisor: Vincent Shaanmugarajah Thamilnesan |
| Prize value | £920 (customer initially paid £30) |
| Council action | Revoked premises licence |
The revocation is likely to have immediate effects on the shop's ability to operate in certain capacities and may require the owner to apply afresh for a licence if they wish to resume regulated activities. Residents who buy lottery tickets or use services in local shops may reasonably expect clear procedures around winnings, retention of CCTV and transparent accountability from staff.
The case underlines the importance for retailers of retaining CCTV records for the statutory period and of providing consistent, verifiable accounts to investigators. Sandwell Council's licensing decisions set standards for premises operating in the borough and are intended to protect public safety and confidence.
I will follow up on any appeal or further developments in the case and report updates affecting the Market Place community.
