Three stores in the North East namely Concord News in Washington, International Mini Market in Houghton-le-Spring and Hylton Food Store in Sunderland, have been shut by Sunderland City Council over allegations of selling illegal vapes and illicit tobacco.
South Tyneside Magistrates' Court granted closure notices on Friday, July 31, following applications from the local authority. All three shops had been repeatedly inspected by Trading Standards officers.
They all held stocks of illicit tobacco and, during test purchases, they had all sold illicit cigarettes. Magistrates heard how all the stores had histories of repeated enforcement action and a lack of engagement and cooperation from staff, or business and property owners.
The court also heard how the illegal sales raised community and public safety concerns as trading in illicit tobacco is a major nuisance to members of the public and legitimate retailers.
Councillor Bill Blackett, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Enforcement at Sunderland City Council, said: "This crackdown is testament to our firm commitment to tackling illegal goods and keeping people safe.
"Residents deserve to feel confident that the shops on their high streets are operating safely, legally and responsibly. These closure orders send a very clear message that we will not tolerate criminal practices.
"A lot of the background information and intelligence about these shops has come from members of the public. I would remind and urge anyone with concerns about shops and illegal sales to contact their local councillor or the council.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes fuels organised crime and undermines legitimate local businesses."
Sunderland City Council's trading standards and Community Safety Teams worked closely with residents, Northumbria Police and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Ian Blakemore, Chief Inspector for Communities in Sunderland for Northumbria Police, said: "We know how concerning the sale of illegal products is, that’s why we carry out this work with our partners with the intention of putting an end to it. This type of criminality is often linked to much wider offending and organised crime groups.
"These closures are only possible due to intelligence the community supplies and the results really represent just how crucial partnership working is in our neighbourhoods.
"If you do have any information about the supply and sale of suspected illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes in your area, please let us know so that we can take action and target the premises who are disrupting our communities."