By james art The Top Store on Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City, has closed after Durham County Council successfully applied to the court for a closure order.
Peterlee magistrates heard that the council’s trading standards team, along with officers from Durham Police, executed a warrant to enter the shop and its associated vehicle following a tip-off from a member of the public.
During the search, officers seized 9,220 illegal cigarettes, 4.9kg of fake rolling tobacco and 581 non-compliant single-use electronic cigarettes, known as vapes. The total seized goods have an illegal market value of £10,104.00.
The court granted a three-month closure order, meaning the Top Store must remain closed until 11.59pm on Wednesday 29 January 2025.
At the end of this period, the business will be re-inspected. If there are still concerns about compliance, the council will consider whether there are grounds to seek an extension of the closure order for a further three months.
Joanne Waller, head of community protection at Durham County Council, said: “Illegal tobacco may not seem like a big deal, but it brings crime and health problems into our communities, often fueling human trafficking, drug dealing and loan sharking .
“It also makes it easier for kids to get cheap tobacco and has an impact on compliant businesses.”
“We hope this closure acts as a warning to other businesses that we will not tolerate the trade of illegal tobacco in County Durham. We will continue to investigate these cases and further action will be taken if necessary.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The illegal tobacco trade is damaging local communities and affecting honest businesses operating within the law.
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“Having removed 19 million illegal cigarettes and 5,103kg of roll-your-own tobacco in 2023-24, Operation CeCe – a national trading standards initiative in partnership with HMRC – has taken £27.2m worth of illicit tobacco off the market since the launch of the operation in 2021 and continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”
Members of the public who have information about the suspected sale of illegal items are urged to report it by calling the Illicit Tobacco Hotline on 0300 999 0000.
For advice and support to quit smoking call 0800 722 0565 or visit www.smokefreecountydurham.co.uk.