A shop in Tamworth is being forced to remain closed for several more months following an illegal sales discovery. The Market Convenience Store in Market Street was ordered to close in January after it was found to be selling illegal tobacco products.
Closure Extended
The shop was given an interim 48-hour closure notice on Monday, January 26, after multiple discoveries of illegal and suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products being sold from the premises. That was extended to three months at Cannock Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 28 to allow for further investigations to be carried out. This week the ban was extended by a further three months as illegal tobacco sales linked to the premises remain an ongoing concern.
Tamworth Borough Council said the order ensured the premises would stay closed to protect the public and disrupt criminal activity. The authority said it had been working in close partnership with Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police to secure a further three-month extension order. It said the original action was taken to safeguard the public and to prevent ongoing criminal activity linked to the premises. The shop has again been closed and boarded, with entry prohibited.
Enforcement Actions
Closure notices were being served on the shop manager, Bawann Hama-Amin, and the shop landlord, Dalsad Baban. Tamworth Council said Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards were continuing to take separate enforcement action against the individuals responsible for the continued sale of illicit tobacco associated with the premises.
Tamworth chief executive, Stephen Gabriel, said: “This action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal trading in our town centre. The continued sale of illicit and illegal tobacco poses serious risk to public health and fuels wider criminal activity. We will continue working closely with our partners to take firm and decisive action against those who break the law and put our communities at risk.”
Other Shops Closed
The Market Street convenience store was one of three Tamworth shops being closed down for the same offence in a space of weeks. These were Ezee Shop in Bolebridge Street, owned by Mr Mustafa Mamend, first closed on Tuesday, December 9, and The Vape Shop, also known as Tamworth Mini Market in Victoria Road, owned by Mr Jabar Hussain, first closed on Monday, December 15.
Mark Wilson, head of regulatory services and community safety at Staffordshire County Council, added: “The sale of illicit and illegal goods is something our Trading Standards Service are working hard to stamp out. Not only do the sale of such goods undermine legitimate businesses but they pose serious health risks, especially to young people. We continue to work closely with our partners and will take tough action against those caught selling illegal goods. The extension to the closure means we can prevent further sales of these dangerous goods and keep communities safe.”
Public Involvement
The borough council said Tamworth residents can play their part too. A spokesperson for the authority said: “If you're offered cheap or unbranded tobacco, please think twice – it's likely illegal, unregulated and potentially harmful. Buying it, even unknowingly, helps fund the criminal networks behind it. If you have information about the sale of illegal tobacco in Tamworth, please report it to Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
This continued action highlights the work of the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership, bringing together Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards, and Staffordshire Police to disrupt criminal activity, protect residents and keep the town centre safe.
