The application for Matean Market at 128 Hollow Way was turned down at the City Council’s Licensing and Gambling Sub-Committee Meeting.
Trading Standards strongly opposed the application, citing successful test purchases of illegal products since 2017.
They reported securing convictions against seven individuals connected to Matean Market since 2019 for offences involving illegal tobacco and vapes.
The premises were described as having a “significant and persistent history” of breaching laws and regulations.
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In August 2026, a Closure Order was granted against the business after a visit from Thames Valley Police and Trading Standards.
During this visit, a hidden knife, a “significant amount of cash,” counterfeit goods, and a number of people staying at the premises who had overstayed their immigration status were seized.
The knife, which Mr Vaisi explained during the hearing was a kitchen knife found with a plate, was seized during the operation.
In the same raid, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing goods with a false trademark for sale/hire and supplying a tobacco product with packs not carrying a health warning.
In May 2026, the previous owner of Matean Market was found guilty of eight offences related to the illegal supply of tobacco and vapes in 2024.
Current applicant, Farshid Vaisi, pledged to uphold licensing objectives such as CCTV implementation and staff training, but the committee found he was unable to demonstrate understanding of the regulations surrounding alcohol licensing.
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