Four more Nottingham shops have been ordered to close following a successful application to the courts as part of an ongoing crackdown on the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.
Three of the orders were granted yesterday, 7 July, with one also granted last week.
The closure orders were granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 following joint work between Nottingham City Council Trading Standards, Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council’s Public Health team.
The four premises are:
- Lovely Shop, Lenton Boulevard
- Smoke Vapes & Shisha, Alfreton Road
- Vape Plus, Beechdale Road
- Victoria Mix, Mansfield Road.
The orders prohibit access to the premises for the next three months.
The action follows detailed investigations by Trading Standards and Nottinghamshire Police, who gathered evidence of criminal activity linked to the premises before applying to the courts for the closure orders.
The latest closures bring the total number of shops closed by the partnership since April to eight, highlighting the ongoing commitment to disrupting the illegal tobacco and vape trade across Nottingham.
Councillor Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “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.
“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: “Working alongside Trading Standards and Public Health allows us to take decisive action against premises involved in criminality.
“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 partnership will continue to target 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 illegal trade.