Three stores in Liverpool have been forced to close for three months after being found to be involved in the sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco.
Liverpool City Council secured three further enforcement outcomes for premises following investigations into illicit sales.
On Wednesday 29 April, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court extended an existing closure order on American Candy, County Road, for a further three months, taking the total closure period to six months. It marks the first time such an extended order has been granted within the city.
The premises was originally closed in February after it was found to be repeatedly selling illicit tobacco and cigarettes. An initial inspection by the council’s public protection team found a large, hidden concealment in the shop’s walls.
The owner admitted to the courts that he had paid builders to construct the concealment and stated that he couldn’t operate the store just selling sweets. The judge outlined that, due to the deliberate attempt to avoid detection, the store must remain closed for a further three months. The owner must also pay a further £1,529 in costs to the council.
On Thursday 30 April, a separate closure order was issued by Sefton Magistrates’ Court for Aden News on Prescot Road, which had also been found to be selling illicit cigarettes stored in a concealed cupboard. The store must now remain closed for three months.
A third premises, Pilch Lane News in Dovecot, has also been forced to close after a successful court application on Tuesday 6 May. The application was made after illegal vapes, cigarettes, and Viagra products were seized from the shop. A separate test purchase found that vapes were being sold to underage children, and the shop will remain closed until the start of August.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “We are working hard across the city to identify and take action against shops selling tobacco and vape products to minors or distributing illicit products.
“This sends a clear message that the sale of illicit tobacco will not be tolerated in our communities. Hidden concealments, counterfeit products and repeated offending pose a serious risk to public health and undermine legitimate businesses.
“All businesses know the law and must follow it. Closure orders are a vital tool in disrupting criminal activity, and we will continue to work with the courts to take firm action wherever necessary.”
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