Stalybridge shop shut down for trading in illegal cigarettes and vapes

A STAYLYBRIDGE shop has been closed down after repeatedly being found to be selling illegal cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and vapes.

Tameside Council successfully obtained a court closure order against Staly Mini Market, Melbourne Street, under section 76 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, on 8 August 2025.

Stockport Magistrates’ Court heard that, since 2021, the council’s Trading Standards team had seized 34,080 illegal cigarettes, 16.95 kg of illegal hand rolling tobacco and 270 illegal e-cigarettes from the shop. The court imposed a three-month closure order on the business.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods Cllr Laura Boyle said: “This is another great result from our trading standards team, who work closely with Greater Manchester Police and other partners to tackle this illegal activity.

“Trade in illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.

“The court order will prevent this business from continuing to break the law and having a negative impact on the local community. I hope it also sends a clear message to others involved in the sale of illegal tobacco that we will find them and take action.”

If you have information on a businesses involved in illicit sales you can report it anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or https://keep-it-out.co.uk/