A convenience store in north London has been ordered to close for two months after officers uncovered illegal vapes, illicit tobacco products and unlicensed medicines during a joint investigation by Barnet Council Trading Standards and the Metropolitan Police.
EU Mini Market on Golders Green Road was issued with the closure order by Willesden Magistrates' Court following repeated enforcement action at the premises.
Police and council officers found the shopkeeper in possession of illegal vapes, cigarettes and medicines on multiple occasions. They also discovered that an "escape button" had been installed to warn staff of potential enforcement visits.
During one operation, officers witnessed the shopkeeper attempting to evade enforcement officers and conceal illicit goods after the alarm was activated. An individual leaving through the rear of the premises was intercepted while trying to remove the illegal products.
Barnet Council said the investigation was carried out jointly with the Metropolitan Police as part of efforts to tackle illegal trading and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Barry Rawlings, leader of Barnet Council, said: "I am very pleased to see this outcome and would like to thank council officers and the police for their hard work. We are determined to take action against those who break the law and contribute to anti-social behaviour in our communities."
A spokesperson for Childs Hill & Garden Suburb Police added: "This shop closure is the culmination of weeks of work from officers from the Police and council and demonstrates our commitment to reducing anti-social behaviour and tackling those enabling it in the area."
The case is the latest in a series of enforcement actions by local authorities targeting retailers found selling illegal vaping products and illicit tobacco, with councils and Trading Standards teams continuing to crack down on non-compliant businesses across the UK.