Hyde shop closed down for selling illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes

A Hyde shop that was repeatedly found to selling illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes has been closed down following an investigation by Tameside Council.

Stockport Magistrates’ heard on 21 November that UK Store, Clarendon St, Hyde, had a long history of seizures and sales of illegal cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and e-cigarettes.

In two recent seizures Tameside Trading Standards seized a total of 27,840 illegal cigarettes, and 4.75kg of illegal hand rolling tobacco from the shop.

A three month closure order was granted by magistrates following evidence from the council’s Trading Standards team and Greater Manchester Police that the illegal activity was likely to continue unless the business was closed.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods Cllr Laura Boyle said: “The illegal tobacco trade supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.

“We work closely with businesses to support them to meet their public protection duties and ensure they are compliant but where they are found to be flouting the law, we will always take enforcement action.   

“Well done to the officers involved in successfully securing this closure order from the court – it will disrupt this illegal activity that was causing real harm to our community.”