A Coventry store known as La Mirage, has been ordered to close its doors for six weeks after a Council investigation revealed the persistent sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
The Council’s Trading Standards and Legal teams applied to the Court for the order, which was granted on 3 December 2024. Costs of over £4,800 were awarded to the Council, against both the Landlords of the premises, as well as the current and previous operators of the business.
Officers from Coventry Trading Standards told the Court that despite warnings, there were continued sales of illicit products from the shop.
The shop on Earlsdon Street, Coventry, was issued with a six-week closure order, which is additional to the two weeks in which the shop had already been closed following the service of a closure notice.
Coventry Magistrates Court heard that despite warnings and changes of ownership, the premises continued in the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products. The products were found not to be compliant with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and other legislation. These sales were not only illegal but also have a detrimental effect on legitimate local businesses and contribute to anti-social behaviour in the local community.
The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products can be said to support Organised Crime Groups, which may also be involved in modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and other serious criminality. Furthermore, counterfeit tobacco and vapes present a serious risk to public health. Fake tobacco can contain very high levels of tar and other toxic chemicals. Illicit vapes can contain excessive amounts of nicotine. The lower prices at which these can be sold can also encourage children to start smoking or vaping.
The store has been ordered to close until 13 January 2025 and no-one is allowed to access or remain on the premises. Those found to breach the Order may be imprisoned, fined or both.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Policing at the Council, said: “Our trading standards, legal and other services work closely with the Police and other partners to tackle illegal trading.
“This is important work, because ultimately consumers are at risk, and these type of illegal sales have a knock-on effect on legitimate businesses.
“I hope local people feel able to provide information about illegal traders and retailers where they feel there is potential criminal acts being carried out. Any information we receive will be followed up on.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. Having removed 46 million illegal cigarettes, 12,600kg of hand rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, Operation CeCe – the National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC – continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”
Coventry Trading Standards continue to act against non-compliant shops and will use all available powers to protect the local community and legitimate businesses. We need information from the public to help us with issues like this. Information we receive about where and when this type of activity is happening will help us build an intelligence picture and take action where necessary. If you are concerned about similar activity happening where you live, you can send an anonymous report to: coventry.gov.uk/tsreportit