Four shops in Torbay have been ordered to close for three months following action by Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police as part of a continuing crackdown on the sale of illegal tobacco products.
The latest closures means that Heart of the South West Trading Standards has closed, on average, almost three shops a month in just a year for selling illegal tobacco products.
The closure orders were granted by magistrates after enforcement action against premises in Torquay and Paignton.
The businesses are:
- Cheeto Mini Market, 42 Tor Hill Road, Torquay
- Milano Market, 5 Union Street, Torquay
- International Mini Market, 102 Union Street, Torquay
- Smoke & Vape 4 U, 9 Torquay Road, Paignton
The orders mean the premises must remain closed for three months.
Illegal tobacco and vapes are often sold to children and is frequently linked to organised criminal activity. The trade also undermines legitimate retailers who comply with the law.
Alex Fry, Head of Intelligence and Investigations for Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said:
“Illegal tobacco sales harm our communities, disadvantage honest businesses and support criminal activity.“These closure orders send a clear message that businesses involved in this trade will face firm enforcement action.
“Working with our partners at Devon & Cornwall Police, we will continue to target those who persistently break the law and put profit before public safety.”
The operation forms part of ongoing work across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay to disrupt the supply and sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.
Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and Devon & Cornwall Police will continue to work together to identify businesses involved in illegal trading and take enforcement action where necessary.
Torquay Sector Inspector Rob Harvey explained:
“The joint operation to target the sale of counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes in the bay was carried out at the weekend by Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Neighbourhood Police Teams alongside local trading standards officers.
“With support of the well-tuned noses of the tobacco detection dogs, a large quantity of illicit products was successfully discovered and seized.
“Further investigations and actions following these seizures will be progressed over the coming days.
“We know the harm these products can do as well as the negative impact on legitimate businesses. We will continue to target this activity in the months ahead.“We would like to thank the public who provide vital information to us so we can keep our communities safe.”