Solihull's Boss Mart Permanently Closed After Owner Fined for Illegal Sales
The future of Boss Mart in Solihull has been decisively confirmed with its permanent closure on Stratford Road in Shirley, following the sentencing of its owner in court. Dawood Kharoty, the proprietor, was fined thousands of pounds for selling illegal products, marking the end of a troubled retail operation.
Court Sentencing and Eviction
Dawood Kharoty, owner of Boss Mart, was sentenced in his absence at court, receiving fines totalling £6,749, which must be paid within 28 days. The court also ordered the forfeiture of seized items. This legal action came after the landlord of the building agreed to evict Kharoty and staff, along with all stock, leading to the withdrawal of a closure order application that was being pursued by authorities.
Police Investigation and Seizures
The closure followed a thorough police investigation into 'Boss Mart 4' on Stratford Road, prompted by multiple incidents of failed test purchases and seizures of illicit goods. During the last visit to the business on February 4, conducted alongside Trading Standards, officers seized a significant haul of illegal items.
- 4,350 packets of illegal tobacco
- 837 packets of illegal hand rolling tobacco
- 68 single-use vapes, which are not permitted to be sold by law
- 27 'Labubu' dolls suspected to be counterfeit
- Fireworks, found despite the premises not being licensed to sell them and not storing them safely
Health Risks and Community Impact
PC Prescott from the Solihull licensing team emphasized the serious health risks posed by the illegal sales. "Selling high-strength vapes and selling vapes to children pose a serious health risk to children and young people living in the vicinity of the shop," he stated. "Cigarettes and vapes sold at low prices can make the products attractive to children and encourage smoking at an early age."
The seized products, including illegal disposable vapes and cigarettes, have a detrimental effect on public health. Many of the vapes contained volumes of nicotine liquid far exceeding permitted limits, encouraging addiction, and potentially included traces of heavy metals. Counterfeit tobacco can contain high levels of tar, nicotine, and other unregulated substances due to unknown quality control during production.
Additionally, stores selling illegal tobacco are known to contribute to anti-social behaviour within local communities, exacerbating safety concerns.
Call for Public Assistance
Authorities rely on information from the public to take action against such offences. PC Prescott urged, "If you have any information, please call 101. Alternatively, you can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." This closure underscores ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable victims and enhance community safety in Solihull.
