Alcohol licence refused for troubled Cowley shop
An Oxford shop has been refused an alcohol licence following objections from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards service.
Oxford City Council’s licensing and gambling acts casework sub-committee considered the application for Matean Market, 128 Hollow Way, Oxford on Monday 7 September. Trading Standards objected on the grounds that granting the licence could undermine efforts to prevent crime and disorder.
The application sought permission for the shop to sell alcohol for consumption elsewhere between 8am and 11pm each day.
The premises has a significant history of tobacco related offending under previous owners, with illegal cigarettes bought during test purchases and seized between 2017 and 2024.
Since 2019, seven people connected with the shop have been convicted of tobacco or vaping product offences.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities said: “Residents and legitimate businesses should not have to accept high street premises becoming repeatedly associated with criminal activity.
“This decision shows the value of trading standards gathering detailed evidence, working closely with the police and using the full range of powers available to protect Oxfordshire’s communities.”
In May 2026, trading standards received further reports that illegal tobacco was being stored in residential accommodation linked to the address and supplied through the shop. A covert visit on 3 August found activity consistent with those reports.
On 14 August, trading standards and Thames Valley Police executed a warrant at the address, finding 127 packets of illegal cigarettes and 480g of illegal hand rolling tobacco in a bedroom within the residential accommodation.
Police also recovered a knife and cash. Three people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences. One was also arrested on suspicion of tobacco and trade mark offences. The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
On 15 August, Thames Valley Police obtained a three month partial closure order at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court. The order restricts access to the premises to the landlord, police and council officers.
Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager added: “This was not an objection based simply on the reputation of an address or the conduct of previous operators. The sub-committee was presented with a long history of offending together with recent intelligence, covert observations and the results of the warrant execution.
“Trading standards had to consider whether there could be confidence that the premises would operate lawfully and responsibly if it were permitted to sell alcohol. We welcome the sub-committee’s decision to refuse the application.”
Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco can contact 0300 999 6 999 or report it anonymously via www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.
More information
The licensing decision is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation. No assumptions should be made about the criminal liability of any individual unless and until criminal proceedings have concluded.
Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death in the UK.
Cheap illegal tobacco undermines public health work by making smoking more affordable and supporting suppliers who operate outside the regulated market.
Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.