- Immediate closure of Tamworth shop for selling illegal and counterfeit tobacco products
- Magistrates’ Court grants three-month closure to protect public safety and prevent further criminal activity
- Demonstrating robust partnership working between Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police
Tamworth Borough Council, working in close partnership with Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police, has taken strong and decisive action to protect the public by securing a closure order on Ezee Shop, Bolebridge Street, Tamworth.
An interim 48-hour closure notice was issued on Tuesday 9 December following multiple discoveries of illegal and suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products being sold from the premises. On more than one occasion, Staffordshire Trading Standards officers recovered illicit items, with items seized for testing.
The action was taken to safeguard the public and to prevent ongoing criminal activity linked to the premises. Action saw the shop closed and boarded with entry prohibited during the closure period.
On Thursday 11 December, Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted an extended closure order for a further three months, pending ongoing investigations. Closure notices have been served on both the business owner and the shop landlord.
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for cooperative council, community partnerships and ASB for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “This action demonstrates our firm commitment to protecting the public and tackling illegal activity head-on. Selling counterfeit tobacco is not only unlawful but poses real health risks, and we will not hesitate to intervene when businesses undermine the safety and wellbeing of our community. The swift closure of this premises shows that we take such offences extremely seriously.
“This outcome is also a testament to the strength of our partnership working. By working closely with Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police, we’ve been able to respond quickly, gather evidence, and secure the necessary legal powers to prevent further harm. Our message is clear: illegal trading will not be tolerated in Tamworth.”
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “The successful outcome of this joint operation sends out a clear message that we do not tolerate crime on our high streets and the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes in our communities.
“By working in partnership, we have been able to close a business that has been flouting the law.
“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks, especially to young people.
“The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”
The action represents a strong and coordinated response by the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership, bringing together Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards, and Staffordshire Police to disrupt criminal activity and keep local people safe.