A STALYBRIDGE shop which has repeatedly sold illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco and vapes has been closed down by Tameside Council.
Stockport Magistrates’ Court has imposed a three-month closure order on Staly Mini Market.
The court heard that 34,080 illegal cigarettes, 16.95kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco and 270 illegal e-cigarettes have been seized from the shop on Melbourne Street since 2021 by the council’s Trading Standards team.
Illicit tobacco is a rising problem, with HMRC saying it costs the country at least £2.2 billion in lost revenue.
The sale and supply of all disposable vapes – both online and in-store – was also banned in England from June.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods insists the authority will continue to tackle this illegal activity.
“This is another great result from our Trading Standards team, who work closely with Greater Manchester Police and other partners to tackle this illegal activity,” said Councillor Laura Boyle.
“Trade in illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.
“The court order will prevent this business from continuing to break the law and having a negative impact on the local community. I hope it also sends a clear message to others involved in the sale of illegal tobacco that we will find them and take action.”
Anyone with information about businesses involved in illegal sales can report it anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org or https://keep-it-out.co.uk