Four more Nottingham shops have been ordered to close as part of an ongoing crackdown on the illegal tobacco and vape trade, taking the total number of premises shut by local authorities since April to eight.
Three closure orders were granted on 7 July, with one approved last week, following a successful application by Nottingham City Council Trading Standards, Nottinghamshire Police and the council's Public Health team under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The four premises subject to the three-month closure orders are Lovely Shop on Lenton Boulevard, Smoke Vapes & Shisha on Alfreton Road, Vape Plus on Beechdale Road and Victoria Mix on Mansfield Road.
The partnership said the orders followed detailed investigations by Trading Standards and Nottinghamshire Police, which gathered evidence of criminal activity linked to the businesses before applying to the courts.
Councillor Helen Kalsi, executive member for adult social care and health at Nottingham City Council, said the closures demonstrated the benefits of joint enforcement action.
"These closure orders are a welcome demonstration of what can be achieved when organisations work together to tackle this kind of illegal activity and protect our communities," she said.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes fuels organised crime, undermines legitimate local businesses and exposes people to products that do not meet safety standards.
"This council is committed to making Nottingham a safer and healthier city. By working closely with Trading Standards, Nottinghamshire Police and our Public Health teams, we are taking decisive action against those who break the law while helping to reduce the harm these illegal products can cause."
PC Dylan Scally of Nottinghamshire Police said the partnership approach was enabling authorities to take firm action against businesses involved in criminal activity.
"Working alongside Trading Standards and Public Health allows us to take decisive action against premises involved in criminality," he said.
"These closures help protect local communities, disrupt those involved in illegal trading and demonstrate that partners across Nottingham are committed to tackling this issue together."
The latest enforcement action comes amid increased efforts by local authorities across the UK to tackle the illicit tobacco and vape market, which retailers say undercuts legitimate businesses and facilitates the sale of non-compliant products.
Nottingham City Council said the partnership would continue targeting businesses suspected of supplying illegal tobacco and vaping products, using enforcement powers where necessary to protect residents, support legitimate retailers and reduce the harm associated with the illicit trade.