A CLOSURE order has been secured against a Coventry shop after concerns were raised it was selling alcohol and cigarettes to children.
The order against Sol’s Newsagents on Longford Road was secured at Coventry Magistrates Court last week.
This closes the shop to the public for three months and also prevents the proprietor from entering, with anyone found inside the address liable to be given a fine or a custodial sentence.
The action comes after Coventrians raised concerns about alcohol, cigarettes and other items being sold or given to children recently.
Police worked with Coventry City Council to secure the order.
The authority had previously applied for and obtained a closure order against the shop last year for similar issues.
Coventry North East Neighbourhood Inspector Sarah Stobbart said: “We are continuing our work across the city to take action against crime and anti-social behaviour.
“This closure order will help protect young people in the city and send a strong message that selling or giving items to under-age people will not be tolerated.
“Working with partners in this way helps keep our city and communities safe and directly respond to community concerns.”
Coventry City Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for policing and equalities, Coun Abdul Salam Khan, said: “We received numerous calls from members of the public about this premises, concerned that children were being sold or given alcohol and cigarettes.
“Our officers will always work with businesses in the city and offer their best advice and guidance, but they will take necessary actions where there are risks to health or illegal activities going on.”
