A SHOP in Coventry city centre which persistently sold illegal tobacco, vapes, and dangerous toys has been ordered to close.
Spon Mini Market in Spon Street has been ordered by Leamington Magistrates Court to close for three months.
Coventry City Council’s Trading Standards and Legal teams applied to the court for a Closure Order, which was granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
On several occasions, Trading Standards Officers found large amounts of illicit cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and vapes on sale at the site.
Toys at the premises were found to include small parts which could cause a choking hazard, as well as products not being tested and made to appropriate safety standards.
Tobacco on the premises was found to be counterfeit and duty-evaded.
A council spokesperson said: “These products can cause long-lasting health problems and take away vital resources and funding from deprived communities.
“The sale of illegal cigarettes means traders do not comply with UK labelling requirements, including plain packaging, and the low cost indicates that duty and VAT payments have not been made on the cigarettes or tobacco.”
Officers tried to work with the business’ operators to bring them into compliance, but their advice and warnings were ignored.
The business’ operators, landlords and agents were fined a total of over £3,600, which was awarded to the council.
The store has been ordered to close completely for three months, and no-one is allowed to access or remain on the premises while the Closure Order is in effect. Those found to breach of the order can be imprisoned, fined or both.
The order will remain in force until midnight on August 20.
Coun John McNicholas, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, said the closure was good news for residents and for law-abiding businesses.
He added: “The council’s Trading Standards Team is working closely with West Midlands Police and other partners to improve communities and stop commercial crime, and this closure sends an important message to those retailers selling illegal goods.
“Coventry Trading Standards will use all available powers to protect the local community and legitimate businesses.
“Anyone who has any concerns or information about the sale of counterfeit produces can contact us anonymously.”
The council spokesperson said the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products had a detrimental effect on legitimate local businesses, contributed to anti-social behaviour, supported organised crime, and presented a serious public health issue.
They added that sales of dangerous toys could have devastating consequences for children’s health and safety.
Report concerns about similar activity at https://tinyurl.com/2z7dpkbr.
