A second retail premises in Tamworth town centre has been boarded up and ordered to close for three months as part of a major crackdown on the sale of illegal and counterfeit goods.
Second Closure in Two Weeks
This latest action follows the closure of Ezee Shop on Bolebridge Street just last week, which also received a three-month order. Now, The Vape Shop, also known as Tamworth Mini Market on Victoria Road, has been shut down by the authorities. Magistrates at Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted an extended closure order on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
The council stated the closure was necessary ‘to safeguard the public and prevent ongoing criminal activity linked to the premises’. The legal process began with an interim 48-hour closure notice served on Monday, December 15, ahead of the full court hearing.
Partnership Action Uncovers Illegal Sales
The closure is the result of what Tamworth Borough Council describes as ‘robust partnership working’ between its own officers, Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, and Staffordshire Police. Investigations at The Vape Shop revealed multiple discoveries of illegal and suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products being sold from the site.
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for community partnerships, said: “This second closure in such a short space of time sends a clear message: we will not allow illegal trading to take place in our town. Selling counterfeit tobacco is unlawful and dangerous, and we will not hesitate to intervene when businesses put people at risk.”
A Firm Stance Against Criminal Activity
The council confirmed that closure notices have been served on both the business owner and the shop landlord. Anthony Screen, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, emphasised the wider impact of such crimes.
“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks, especially to young people,” he said. “The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”
The authorities have vowed to continue their concerted efforts to disrupt illegal trading and protect the community, signalling that further action will be taken against any business flouting the law in Tamworth.
