Two shops have lost their alcohol licenses after illicit booze and tobacco was found - and one shop sold drink to underage kids.

Express Food and Wine, in Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park and Express Supermarket, in Hazelleville Road, Hornsey Rise have been stripped of their right to sell alcohol – and have 21 days to appeal Islington Council’s decision.

At Express Food and Wine officers found loose cigarettes for sale, which is illegal, along with 768 illicit cigarettes, 10 pouches of counterfeit tobacco, and illicit alcohol.

A police sting at Express Supermarket saw staff serve booze to an underage volunteer.

Four days later an officer found more than 300 bottles of non-duty paid wine.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “We expect the highest standards from Islington’s off-licences and if businesses don’t behave responsibly, they risk losing their licence.

“Illicit alcohol and tobacco can may contain all sorts of substances and can cause a lot of harm to communities. Businesses who want free help and advice on avoiding buying illicit alcohol, or avoiding underage sales, can call 020 7527 4028.”