Tamworth Shop Temporarily Closed in Illegal Tobacco Crackdown
A shop in Tamworth has been temporarily shut down following the discovery of illegal and counterfeit tobacco products on the premises. The closure forms part of an ongoing crackdown by local authorities targeting the sale of illicit goods in the West Midlands region.
Council Investigation Leads to Immediate Action
Glascote Express, located on Glascote Road in Tamworth, was closed on Tuesday, March 24, after Tamworth Borough Council served an interim 48-hour closure notice. The council reported that significant quantities of cigarettes and tobacco products were being sold illegally from the shop.
Furthermore, a residential property above the shop, operating as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), was also closed due to safety concerns. The three tenants living in the three-bedroom property have been assisted in finding alternative accommodation.
Extended Closure Order Granted by Court
On March 26, Cannock Magistrates' Court granted an extended closure order for the shop, keeping it shut for an additional month while investigations continue. Both the property owner, Pav Akhtar, and the business owner, Naseer Ahmad, have been served with closure notices.
Tamworth Borough Council confirmed that the shop and HMO are linked to the same owner and manager, highlighting coordinated enforcement efforts.
Council Officials Emphasize Commitment to Public Safety
Stephen Gabriel, chief executive of Tamworth Borough Council, stated: "This latest action against a shop and an illegal HMO shows our continued commitment to tackling illegal trading and protecting the public from landlords who fail to operate their properties legally."
He added: "By working closely with our partners at Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police we are able to act swiftly, gather evidence and take strong action to protect people and disrupt criminal activity."
Partnership Efforts Yield Positive Results
Mark Wilson, trading standards business manager at Staffordshire County Council, commented: "This is a great result for the team in our efforts to tackle the sale of illegal goods in Staffordshire. By working in partnership with Tamworth Borough Council, we've been able to close yet another shop caught selling illicit and illegal goods."
Wilson emphasized the broader impact: "The sale of these products not only undermines legitimate businesses but poses serious health risks, especially to young people."
Context of Ongoing Enforcement Actions
This incident follows similar closures in Tamworth's town centre, where three other premises were shut down in December 2025 and January 2026. The coordinated efforts between local councils and police aim to curb illegal trading activities and ensure community safety.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and monitor compliance across the region.
