The more money a business makes, the more money the Godfathers expect. Those who don't pay up are quickly paid a visit.

It starts with a friendly chat to explain the rules, followed by a nudge such as a brick through the window. If that fails to make the point, a home, business or car might be firebombed.

Small shops are expected to hand over around £100 a month: for supermarkets and jewellers, the going rate is nearer £1,000.

But shoppers and businesses are rebelling, with those refusing to pay adding their names online at the Addiopizzo website. As of yesterday, 241 firms and individuals were listed.

Now Mr Messina has decided to bring them together by stocking their items in Supermercato Punto Antipizzo.

"I felt the time had come to give those businesses that had refused to pay the pizzo an extra economic opportunity.

"All the products in the store are supplied by firms who have refused to pay pizzo — we are talking . . .the sort of items you find in a normal super