Council warns businesses about scam licensing officer visits
Businesses in West Lindsey are being warned to be on the alert after reports that fraudsters have visited shops posing as local council licensing officers claiming fees.
According to the district council, they have claimed that a five-year Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) licence fee of £249.72 is due and that a letter has been sent about the payment.
The scammers then attempt to persuade shopkeepers to pay them directly in store.
The council is reminding licence holders that while there is an initial application fee for a personal licence, it is not renewable, and there is no such thing as a DPS licence fee.
Coun Jim Snee, Chair of the council’s Licensing Committee said: “We want to make sure local businesses are protected from this type of fraud.
"If someone visits your premises claiming to be from the council and asks for payment, do not hand over any money. Ask to see identification and contact our Licensing Team directly if you have any concerns.”
When visiting any premises, West Lindsey District Council’s Licensing Team will always carry identification. Business owners and staff should always ask to see official ID if they are unsure who they are speaking to.
There is a requirement to pay an annual fee for a premises licence, but it would never be collected in this way, says the council. The Licensing Team will not visit a premises and ask for payment there and then, nor will they contact a licence holder to demand direct payment over the phone.
The authority insists all payment requests are made by letter, with follow-up reminders explaining how the premises licence holder can contact West Lindsey District Council to make payment.
In some circumstances, such as when a payment is late or a correspondence address has changed and the Licensing Team has not been informed, a premises licence holder or DPS may be contacted by phone to check details.
The council states: “Payment would not be requested or taken during that call. Instead, the team would provide information about where and how to pay through the correct council channels.
“Anyone who receives a visit or call they believe to be fraudulent should make no payment and contact the Licensing Team on 01427 676676 or at [email protected]”