G&G Market, a convenience store on High Street in Cradley Heath, faces potential permanent closure after being caught selling illegal cigarettes to a minor. The shop, which opened only in November 2025, will have its licence reviewed by Sandwell Council's licensing committee on July 30, 2026.
Undercover Operation Exposes Illegal Sales
West Midlands Police and Sandwell Trading Standards are jointly calling for the licence to be revoked. Their evidence includes multiple seizures of illegal cigarettes, tobacco products, and prescription-only medicines, as well as a test purchase where an undercover child successfully bought cigarettes.
The shop was already issued a three-month closure order by Dudley Magistrates' Court earlier in July 2026, but authorities say the business remained "undeterred" and continued illicit trading despite warnings.
Blatant Disregard for Regulations
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "The sale of illicit tobacco and cigarettes is often linked to organised crime including people trafficking and immigration crime, exploitation, evasion of duty and money laundering. Additionally, this activity is a threat to public health and safety due to the unknown nature of what is in the products and as is demonstrated in this case, young people and children are also put at risk."
The force added that the shop showed "blatant disregard" for regulations and that the "only proportionate step" is to revoke the licence.
Trading Standards Express Serious Concerns
Sandwell Trading Standards echoed this view in a report published ahead of the hearing. The report states: "The premises has been involved in the sale of illegal tobacco products since at least December 2025. The licence was only granted in November. Multiple offences regarding the possession and supply of illegal cigarettes have been identified from the premises, including supplying to a person under the age of eighteen."
The report further concluded that "the whole setup of the premises – the concealment of illegal cigarettes, the lack of legal cigarettes and the behaviour of the proprietors – all give rise to the conclusion that the main purpose of the premises is the supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco."
Fourth Closure in Cradley Heath Crackdown
G&G Market is the fourth shop in Cradley Heath to face closure in recent weeks as part of a Sandwell Council crackdown. Earlier in July 2026, Cradley Market, also located on High Street, was ordered to close for three months after being found selling cocaine, cannabis, crystal meth, and prescription medicine over the counter.
The licence holder, Hozan Sharify, will appear before the licensing committee on July 30. If the licence is revoked, the shop will be forced to close permanently.
