Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized as Trading Standards issue closure order to Stoke store

Stoke-on-Trent City Council have issued a closure order to a repeat offender who moved their business to the premises next door to try and evade legal action.

The city council’s Trading Standards team seized large quantities of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes during the operation.

In November, Victoria Eastern European Food, on 101 Church Street, Stoke was issued a three-month closure order after an investigation found illegal tobacco products concealed in the building.

Further intelligence received showed that the empty premises next door 97 Church Street - was also being used to store illegal tobacco and that stock had been transferred to open up another shop and bypass the original closure notice.

An inspection seized illegal products, including 7,023 packs of cigarettes, 401 packs of hand rolling tobacco and 484 illegal vapes.

When the original closure order was served at 101 Church Street, it was noted the windows of 97 Church Street were covered in bin bags and it was clear stock had been transferred to open another shop.

This was also inspected and further illegal products were seized – 151 packs of cigarettes, six packs of hand rolling tobacco and a large quantity of unfit food, that was past their use by dates.

On Wednesday 28 January, the second premises was also served with a closure notice - the overall retail price of all products seized was £109,091.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco in the city and I welcome this closure.

“Our Trading Standards team work hard to remove illegal substances off our streets to protect young people and ensure legal business is not undermined. This forms part of the city council’s wider work to reclaim our streets and make our town centres more family friendly.

“The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.”

Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes and underage sales can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards