East Lancashire shop ordered to close after stashing and selling illegal tobacco

Famous Shop on Railway Street in Nelson was given a Closure Order on March 3 after an joint operation by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers and Lancashire Police.

Lancaster Magistrates heard how illegal tobacco was found on two joint visits by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team and Lancashire Police earlier this year. Meanwhile, an officer posing as a buyer as part of an undercover operation was able to buy a pack of illicit cigarettes.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council said:

“This operation shows just how determined we are to crack down on illegal tobacco by working side‑by‑side with our partners. We will continue to ensure that our marketplace stays safe for residents and that honest businesses aren’t undercut by those who refuse to play by the rules.

“Our message is simple: shops that put profit before the wellbeing of our community have no place on our high streets. Illegal tobacco sales damage our economy, and will not be tolerated.

"Our Trading Standards team will always take the strongest action possible against those who openly break the law. We encourage anyone who has concerns about the sale of any age-restricted products to report these to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133."

The application for the closure was made by Lancashire Constabulary under anti-social behaviour legislation designed to tackle public nuisance and disorder. The magistrates granted the three -month closure order, the maximum penalty which can be ordered, which runs until June 3.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said:

"The tobacco we refer to isn’t a genuine product that is brought in from abroad without paying duty. It’s counterfeit tobacco, made in unregulated conditions by criminals that simply don’t care, with absolutely no controls or safeguards over what’s contained in them.

"The Closure Order was granted after an investigation showed the continued supply of illegal tobacco products, despite previous enforcement action and a prior Closure Order at their former premises at The American Sweet Shop. The owner had attempted to continue operating by relocating right next door, changing the business name to The Famous Shop and altering tenancy details.

"However, a joint investigation established the same individuals remained in control and the unlawful trade continued. A considerable amount of illegal cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco was seized from a purpose-built concealment inside the newly refurbished shop. A larger amount of illegal tobacco products was seized from a ‘stash car’ linked to the business, which was in a town centre car park, a short distance from the shop. This was being used to replenish the illegal tobacco stock in the concealment inside the shop. Police seized the car and it will never be returned.

"This type of criminality harms our communities, undermines legitimate local businesses and exposes people of all ages to dangerous, unregulated products."