Closure order secured for shop found selling counterfeit cigarettes

A Thornaby shop has been closed for selling illicit and counterfeit cigarettes to customers, which included sales to children.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council secured a three-month closure order of the Costcutter store at 31 Havelock Street, Thornaby at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday (28 March).

The Court heard that several complaints were made to the Council, Cleveland Police, and Crimestoppers about sales of counterfeit cigarettes, including sales to children, at the store. 

When the Council's Trading Standards officers investigated they found evidence that illicit and counterfeit products were being sold. Test purchases not only confirmed that illicit cigarettes were being sold from the shop but counterfeit cigarettes were also purchased during an underage sales test purchase.

Ann Workman, the Council's Director of Adults and Health, said: "Counterfeit cigarettes pose a big risk to communities because it's very difficult to know what is in them and it's incredibly worrying that such cigarettes are being sold to people, particularly to children.

"I'm pleased our Trading Standards officers have been able to secure a closure order today. I'd like to thank them for their hard work and the work of our partner organisations, Cleveland Police and CrimeStoppers, to get the maximum closure of three months.

"I'd also encourage local people to report any sales of illicit tobacco to us so we can take the necessary action."

A Cleveland Police Spokesperson, said: "We are always happy to support our colleagues at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Our partnership approach keeps our communities safe and benefits the people living in our area and yesterday's closure order is a great example of our collaborative work".

Anyone with information on the supply of illicit tobacco from any business or residential premises across Stockton-on-Tees Borough can contact the Council's Trading Standards team on 01642 526560 or email trading.standards@stockton.gov.uk.

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