The fate of the 24-hour Best One Store in Market Place, Great Bridge, Tipton, remains uncertain as a licensing decision has been postponed due to the absence of a translator. The delay comes amid a police investigation into allegations that a staff member stole a winning lottery ticket and underpaid the rightful prize to a customer.
West Midlands Police launched an inquiry after the customer received only £30 in winnings but later discovered the prize should have been significantly higher. The shop’s licence review hearing, scheduled for June 30 by Sandwell Council’s licensing committee, was abruptly adjourned when a Tamil translator could not be arranged for the shop’s licence holder, Vincent Shaanmugarajah Thamilnesan.
Although Mr. Thamilnesan understands and speaks English, his solicitor, Duncan Craig, explained that a Tamil translator is essential to ensure effective participation in the hearing. Councillor Karl Leech raised concerns about the costs involved and whether the hearing could proceed without translation, but after legal advice, the committee opted to delay. The hearing is now set to resume on July 10.
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During the police investigation, Mr. Thamilnesan initially denied ownership of the Great Bridge shop and claimed he could not access CCTV footage. However, he contradicted himself a week later during subsequent questioning. The missing CCTV, which should have been retained for at least a month, was overwritten prior to the investigation, significantly hindering efforts to resolve the case.
In addition to the lottery reward investigation, Sandwell Council’s licensing enforcement officers conducted their own inspection. They found that the required licence was not displayed in the store and that Mr. Thamilnesan and critical staff training documents were unavailable for review. Expressing serious concerns about the operation, the enforcement officer urged councillors to strongly consider revoking the shop’s licence.
The combination of missing evidence, inconsistent statements, and procedural issues means the future of Best One Store’s licence remains in question as authorities prepare to reconvene later this month.