Swinton shop closed for selling illicit cigarettes and tobacco
Lavin Mini Shop Ltd, Station Road, Swinton, has been ordered to shut for repeatedly selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
The Closure Order was served by Salford City Council’s Trading Standards on Friday 29 November and will remain in place for three months.
Since July 2018, Trading Standards have seized illicit cigarettes and tobacco on nine separate occasions, showing the enforcement action was being ignored. This followed 13 complaints from members of the public.
In total, 1,805 packets of cigarettes have been seized, with a street value of over £8,000. In addition, 252 packs of hand rolling tobacco and 34 vapes have been seized.
On the most recent visit in October 2024, Trading Standards officers found 241 packets of cigarettes and 39 HRT packages in two separate concealments on the premises, one under a hatch in the floor and the other under shelving on the shop floor. The officers found the cigarettes and tobacco displayed on the shop floor were old and thick with dust.
During this visit, officers secured the premises both front and back to stop people entering. Whilst the visit was being carried out, at least 13 people attempted to gain entry to the shop, with some becoming hostile to the closure and shouting and swearing. One customer, who could not gain entry at the front, punched the window then went around to the back of the property to try again to gain entry.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for neighbourhoods, environment and community safety, said “We have carried out multiple inspections and seizures at this shop, yet they have continued to sell illegal goods time and time again. This closure order sends a strong message that any premises who repeatedly ignore warnings will be prosecuted and a closure order will be served.
Photos: Cllr Barbara Bentham, lead member for neighbourhoods, environment and community safety, and Tim Cook, Service Manager, Regulatory Services. Plus images from the shop.
Press and media enquiries
