Two Hartlepool shops ordered to close for selling illicit tobacco

Two Hartlepool shops have been ordered to close by the courts after they were caught selling counterfeit tobacco, stated recent reports.

As per local reports, Teesside Magistrates Court granted closure orders on Friday (27), against RMT convenience store and the former Donatellos takeaway, both in Raby Road, Hartlepool.

It followed applications by Hartlepool Borough Council’s trading standards department.

RMT convenience store was ordered to close for three months while the former Donatellos takeaway for two months after the court heard that both premises had sold counterfeit tobacco on a number of occasions.

Cigarettes, tobacco and cash were recently seized from the former Donatellos after a warrant by police and trading standards and police say enquiries are ongoing.

The closures come after the International Food Store, in Murray Street, was shut for three months in December also for the sale of counterfeit tobacco.

“The sale of counterfeit tobacco is a nuisance for people who live close by to these premises, takes legitimate trade away from law abiding retailers and increases the likelihood of young people taking up the habit,” reports quoted Ian Harrison, the council’s trading standards and licensing manager, as saying.

“I am pleased that the courts continue to recognise the seriousness of these crimes and we will not hesitate to ask the courts to take further action where it is needed.”