A corner shop has been ordered to close for three months after being caught selling illicit tobacco products.
The tenants of the Euro Mini Market, on Northumberland Terrace, Wallsend, have been hit with a three-month closure order after Trading Standards officers discovered illicit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco being sold from the premises.
North Tyneside Council was granted the order by North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, requiring the premises to close with immediate effect, and was awarded costs of £1,400.
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The court was told of eight separate occasions when Trading Standards officers found illicit tobacco products on the premises, and in vehicles parked nearby. It’s the third time the council has obtained a closure order to tackle the supply of illicit tobacco.
Councillor Carole Burdis, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety said: “Illicit cheap tobacco undermines price as one of the key drivers to bring down smoking rates. Honest businesses cannot compete with illegal tobacco sellers, and this attracts criminality to our neighbourhoods.
“This sends a very clear message to businesses across the borough that North Tyneside Council takes public protection very seriously and we will not hesitate to take action against any business found to be breaking the law.”
If you are aware of any ongoing sale or supply of illicit and counterfeit tobacco products, you can report it anonymously via the Keep-It-Out website at https://keep-it-out.co.uk/anonymous-reporting/
Residents of North Tyneside who wish to quit smoking may be entitled to free support.
If you would like to find out more about local stop smoking support please call 0191 643 7171 (phone lines are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or email stopsmoking@northtyneside.gov.uk
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