- Second town centre shop closed within two weeks for selling illegal and counterfeit tobacco products
- Magistrates’ Court grants three-month closure to protect public safety and prevent further criminal activity
- Robust partnership working between Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police continues to disrupt criminal activity
Tamworth Borough Council, working in close partnership with Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police, have taken further decisive action to protect the public by securing a closure order on The Vape Shop/Tamworth Mini Market, Victoria Road, Tamworth, making this the second action within two weeks.
The action was taken to safeguard the public and to prevent ongoing criminal activity linked to the premises. Action saw the shop closed and boarded with entry prohibited during the closure period.
An interim 48-hour closure notice was issued on Monday 15 December following multiple discoveries of illegal and suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products being sold from the premises.
On Wednesday 17 December, Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted an extended closure order for a further three months, pending ongoing investigations. Closure notices have been served on both the business owner and the shop landlord.
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for cooperative council, community partnerships and ASB for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “This second closure in such a short space of time sends a clear message: we will not allow illegal trading to take place in our town. Selling counterfeit tobacco is unlawful and dangerous, and we will not hesitate to intervene when businesses put people at risk.
“Our partnership approach with Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police means we can move fast, gather evidence and take strong action to protect people.”
“This second closure in just two weeks shows how seriously we take these offences, and our firm commitment to protecting the public and tackling illegal activity head-on. We will continue to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard our community.”
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This is another great result in our joint efforts to tackle the sale of illicit and illegal goods.
“By working in partnership, we’ve been able to close yet another business that has been flouting the law. It also sends out a clear message that we do not tolerate crime on our high streets.
“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks, especially to young people. The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”
This latest action demonstrates the ongoing strength of the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership, bringing together Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards, and Staffordshire Police to disrupt criminal activity, protect residents and keep the town centre safe.
