Boss Mart 2, a shop on Warwick Road in Olton, near Solihull, has been handed a three-month closure order after illicit goods including fake vapes, counterfeit products, and illegal tobacco were seized. The order means the business must remain closed until November 26, according to West Midlands Police.
Investigation by police and Trading Standards
West Midlands Police said its Solihull licensing team worked alongside Solihull Council's Trading Standards to carry out an investigation into the business. The action followed the seizure of several bags of illicit goods during a visit from Trading Standards, which included illegal vapes, counterfeit products, and illegal tobacco.
In a statement, police said: "A business in Olton has been handed a closure order. Our Solihull licensing team has worked alongside Solihull Council's Trading Standards to carry out an investigation into 'Boss Mart 2' on Warwick Road, Olton, after illicit goods were seized."
Community complaints about anti-social behaviour
Police also noted that they received multiple calls from the community about anti-social behaviour at the business. The complaints were a factor in the decision to pursue the closure order, alongside the discovery of the illegal items.
The statement continued: "We received multiple calls from the community about anti-social behaviour at the business. Following a visit from Trading Standards, several bags of illicit goods including illegal vapes, counterfeit products, and illegal tobacco were recovered."
Closure order terms and enforcement
The closure order, obtained jointly with Solihull Council, prohibits anyone other than the landlord, contractors for the landlord, or emergency services from entering the premises. Anyone found on or entering the premises in breach of the order can be arrested and, if found guilty, may face imprisonment or a fine.
Police added: "We worked together with Solihull Council to obtain a three-month closure order of the business. The business must remain closed until November 26. If anyone other than the landlord, contractors for the landlord or emergency services are found on or entering the premises they can be arrested. If found guilty of breaching the closure order, they are liable to imprisonment and or a fine."
