The shelves of a Forest Gate off-licence were emptied days before Christmas after inspectors seized 1,700 litres of alcohol.
An undercover police officer was able to buy four brands of beer and lager with higher than a six per cent alcohol volume from Forest Gate Food and Wine, which was a breach of their licensing conditions.
This prompted officers from Newham Council’s licensing team to move in and remove the beer, cider and spirits from the Woodgrange Road shop on December 20.
The confiscation came just two days after 500 litres of alcohol was seized from Vanesh Super Store in Bramall Close, Stratford, for selling it without a licence.
It had been revoked by the licensing sub-committee earlier in the year after staff were found not to be adequately trained or following challenge 21 guidance.
Cllr Ian Corbett, mayoral advisor for environment and leisure, said: “Irresponsible off-licences like these two can make the lives of residents miserable, especially as they were trying to make a quick buck ahead of the holiday season.
“Selling high strength alcohol without permission can often result in anti-social behaviour in the vicinity. This is why operations like this are vital for protecting residents. I congratulate our staff for their hard work in taking this alcohol off the streets.”
The council is considering whether to take further action against the business owners.
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