A Lancaster convenience store has been ordered to close for three months after police and trading standards officers uncovered ongoing illicit tobacco sales.
Easy Shop, on King Street, was served with a Closure Order at Lancaster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 29, following a joint investigation by Lancaster Police and Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team.
The court imposed the maximum initial closure period available under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, meaning the store must remain closed until December.
Anyone found entering the premises without a reasonable excuse before it is legally allowed to reopen could be committing a criminal offence and face a fine or imprisonment.
PC Pete Burns, Lancaster Police's Civil Orders Officer, welcomed the court's decision.
He said: "I am pleased to see the court impose the maximum initial closure order on this premises, after joint working between the police and Trading Standards uncovered illegal practices taking place within the store.
"Trading of this nature is not and will never be tolerated in Lancaster and we will continue to work with partners to take firm action.
"I would ask residents of Lancaster to keep reporting concerns to us or Trading Standards. Your concerns are heard and we do take them incredibly seriously."
Councillor Joshua Roberts, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, said the ruling sent a strong message to those involved in the illegal tobacco trade.
He said: "We welcome the court's decision to grant the maximum Closure Order available to it against Easy Shop.
"This sends a clear message that illegal tobacco trading will not be tolerated in Lancashire. Illegal tobacco is not simply a source of cheaper cigarettes.
"Consumers do not have the same assurances about what they are buying, how it has been manufactured or what substances it may contain, and it can pose a serious risk to people's health.
"This outcome also highlights the importance of effective partnership working in tackling the organised criminality often associated with the illicit tobacco trade. We will continue to take robust action against those who put profit before the safety and wellbeing of our residents."
The closure order forms part of Lancashire Constabulary's Operation Centurion, a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour and criminality which is backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
Residents can report anti-social behaviour concerns to Lancashire Police by calling 101 or through the force's website.
In an emergency, call 999.
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