A Romanian newsagent is at risk of losing its licence after it was caught selling smuggled cigarettes and wine.

Carniprod, in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, was brought before Harrow Council’s licensing committee to review its eligibility to operate.

Police representatives – in addition to documents provided by Trading Standards – showed that staff at the shop had repeatedly flouted the law.

Iulian Duta, who manages the day-to-day business at the newsagent, had twice been convicted of selling illegal tobacco.

Counterfeit vodka and illegally imported wine, which Mr Duta was decanting and selling in smaller plastic bottles, was also found at the store.

“Carniprod have shown a complete disregard for the law, repeatedly engaging in the sale of smuggled goods with little consideration for the knock-on effect on the local community,” said Metropolitan Police licensing officer PC Beresford.

“They have had ample opportunity to show that they can work in a safe and legal way but have consistently failed to uphold the licensing objectives.

“This is not the behaviour we expect in Harrow and therefore we respectfully request that the licence be revoked.”

She added that the police are trying to improve Edgware, with Burnt Oak Broadway a target area for street drinking and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

PC Beresford explained Carniprod’s actions are contributing to this negative image and are “not what they expect from a business”.

She said: “We understand that business owners do what they need to do to support their families. However, committing offences like these is not the way to do it.”

There were also concerns about the lack of involvement of the licence holder, Georgina Craciunescu.

Mr Duta explained that he is the owner of the newsagent and that Ms Craciunescu is his friend who “visits now and again to train staff”.

There was no representation from Carniprod at the committee hearing.

The licensing committee said it would inform the police and the owners of its decision within five working days.