PC Stuart Hammersley, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “We just feel we have a lack of confidence going forward that the premises will uphold the licensing objectives in terms of the prevention of crime and disorder.”
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the hearing on Monday was told Rum Beats was made by mixing a Jamaican rum with an alcohol content of 63%, with fruit juice. Police said the drink had been produced and sold by the business, including at events and fairs.
Officers visited the premises on 9 September alongside His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after receiving intelligence that wholesale alcohol was being sold without the relevant duty being paid.
A report submitted to the council said officers seized 11 jerry cans containing Rum Beats, as well as bottles and a mixing container. GMP described the production process as “homemade and unsophisticated” and said officers could see no evidence of quality control measures, appropriate hygiene measures or equipment to ensure accuracy and consistency.
