Surely no one should seriously consider granting Hussain Ali a licence to sell khat from his car in Bristol. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, even though khat may not be illegal it can cause mental, physical and emotional problems.

Secondly, according to police, Mr Ali responded aggressively when he was approached by community officers. Granting him a licence would not only encourage his dubious trade but would also reward bad behaviour.

Thirdly, according to the police, he has already been trading from his car, causing traffic problems with people parking nearby. It has also led to groups of people hanging around chewing khat and then spitting the spent leaves out on the pavement.

It may not be possible to stop people using khat. But given its damaging effects and the problems surrounding its sale, then everything should be done to restrict its use. There is evidence the use of khat is spreading beyond the Somali community.

For all those reasons, Mr Ali should be denied a licence.

And let us not hear any ridiculous arguments about khat being part of the Somali culture. The fact is that it is an unwanted practice and if we cannot stop it completely, we need to keep it strictly under control.

Refusing Mr Ali a licence to sell khat is the first step. And if he goes ahead anyway, then arresting him for illegal trading is the next.

The licensing committee should throw out his request when it considers the case in a few days' time.