A convenience store that was supplying illicit tobacco has had its temporary closure extended by magistrates.
Trafford Council applied for the order after discovering illicit cigarettes at Urmston Convenience Store three times.
On Thursday, Wigan Magistrates Court ordered the Flixton Road shop to remain closed for a further three months. Magistrates also awarded costs of £853 to the Council.
The Council acted after Trading Standard officers from Trafford Council visited the convenience store after receiving intelligence it had a supply of illegal tobacco.
Using a sniffer dog, illicit nicotine was found on the premises. When the officers’ request to meet with the owner was ignored, a 48-hour Closure Notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was served.
Illicit tobacco can be available from a range of sources within communities, making it easier for children to start smoking and become hooked at a young age. It is also often available at cheaper prices. This makes it harder for smokers to quit, easier for non-smokers to start and easier for ex-smokers to relapse.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Equalities, said:
“I am very pleased that the court has seen fit to issue the three-month closure order. There is no excuse for serving illicit tobacco to residents – it’s an underhand way to tempt people into smoking.
“I want to thank our officers from Trading Standards and Community Safety for their effort to secure this order. It sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the selling of illicit tobacco and come down hard on anyone discovered trying to do so.”
If any members of the public have any concerns regarding the sale of illegal tobacco, please contact Trafford’s Trading Standards team on 0161 912 1377, Trading Standards’ North West Illicit Tobacco Team on 01925 442 466 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.
Posted on Tuesday 21st February 2023