Two Weymouth stores have been forced to close after they were found to be selling illegal smoking products.
Dorset Council’s Trading Standards team, with support from Dorset Police, has served a closure notice on Global Stores in Great George Street and Amsterdam Market on the seafront.
This action follows a multi-agency operation to tackle the persistent sale of illicit and non-compliant cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco, vapes, and nicotine pouches.
In the last year, the stores have been subject to several visits from trading standards – with illegal vapes, tobacco and cigarettes being seized.
But despite this action from the council and police, with the support of HMRC and Trading Standards South West, the illegal activities continued.
Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Housing, said: “I would like to thank our trading standards team and our partners for their thorough investigation and helping to keep our residents safe.
“There are strict rules regarding the sale of vapes and tobacco products to protect customers.
“We will not tolerate persistent offending or breaking of those rules. This serves as a warning to all business owners – if you fail to get your house in order after repeated warnings, we will take legal action.”
The closure order on Global Stores was issued following a hearing at Weymouth Magistrates on Wednesday 5 November.
It means the business must shut down with immediate effect for three months – the maximum closure length that can be applied for.
The court heard evidence from Dorset Council Trading Standards team about the illegal activity and seizures that had taken place, including how products were seized on the night the notice was issued.
Amsterdam Market is also subject to a closure order and is shut down. A court hearing to determine the final length of the closure is scheduled to be heard at Weymouth Magistrates next month.
HMRC estimates that the illicit smoking-product market was worth around £2.8 billion in one year alone (2021 to 2022).
Illegal tobacco, sold at ‘pocket money prices’, makes it more affordable for children and young people to start smoking, and makes it harder for adults to quit.
The illegal tobacco sellers are also unlikely to ask for proof of age and the products they sell are often unregulated.
This potentially exposes people to harmful chemicals and toxins over and above that contained in regulated tobacco or nicotine products.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Sam Goom, of Weymouth and Portland police, said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners in Trading Standards to target business premises which continue to trade in the illicit sale of illegal vape and tobacco products.
“We have a duty of care to our communities – particularly young people who end up using these products – and we will endeavour to protect them from the dangers of these illegal items.
“Our recent action in supporting Trading Standards demonstrates our officers’ commitment to multi-agency working as we continue to relentlessly pursue those who offer these unlawful items for sale in Weymouth.”
If tobacco is cheap, the chances are it is illegal. Proceeds from this crime are suspected to fund the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and even human beings across the globe.
Perpetrators may also be involved in benefit fraud, modern day slavery and money laundering.
People can report illegal tobacco or vape sales anonymously here.
Adults who want help to stop smoking can access free support, and apply for a free vape kit, via the Swap 2 Stop scheme. More advice, facts and support are available here.
