A Middlesbrough store has been shut down over illegal tobacco sales
The closure is the latest in a series as part of an ongoing crackdown on illicit sales by Middlesbrough Trading Standards.
Airo Mini Market on Acklam Road was hit with a three-month closure order granted by Teesside Magistrates.
Complaints from concerned members of the public over illegal tobacco sales led to a test purchasing operation by Trading Standards officers, which resulted in multiple sales of illicit products.
Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, said: “Illicit tobacco contributes to health inequalities and brings crime into our neighbourhoods.
“Seeking a closure order removes another avenue for selling illegal cigarettes and other tobacco related products including to children and young people.
“Our Trading Standards Officers will continue to utilise all enforcement tools at their disposal to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade.”
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The Council and its crime reduction partners will not tolerate the sale of illicit tobacco and we take a robust approach to stamping the trade out.
“The council will continue to take stringent action to protect the health of our residents and ensure only legitimate businesses can thrive.
“We can’t do this without the ongoing support of law-abiding members of the community, and the information they give us plays an invaluable role in helping us to close these businesses down.”