Bacup shop ordered to close for three months after failed inspections and test purchases
Police and Trading Standards say illegal tobacco and illicit vapes were sold at the store
A shop in Bacup has been ordered to close for three months following a series of failed inspections and test purchases.
Lancashire Police and Trading Standards carried out the inspections and test purchases. Police also cited the sale of illegal tobacco and illicit vape products.
The force said Bacup Mini Market on Union Street was ordered to close after a closure order was granted at Burnley Magistrates Court on Wednesday 14th October.
Police said the closure follows months of work between officers in local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Trading Standards.
What the closure order means
Police said initial premises closure orders are capped at three months under UK law.
The closure order concludes on Thursday 14th January 2027.
Police said anyone seen entering the store before then without reasonable excuse will be committing a criminal offence. They said offenders can face a fine and/or imprisonment.
The force said any further failed inspections or test purchases will also be dealt with robustly.
Police response
Tony Norman, Civil Orders Officer for the East, said: "We will continue to target shops who sell illegal tobacco and illicit vapes, which are damaging for our communities. May this closure order be a reminder to members of the public that we do listen to your concerns, and do not tolerate this kind of criminal behaviour on our high streets."
He said: "Please continue sharing information and reports with us or Trading Standards, so we can continue to take firm action against businesses like these. Your concerns will be heard and acted upon."
Cabinet member's reaction
Cllr Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, said: "Illegal tobacco and illicit vapes have no place on our high streets. They can put consumers at risk, undermine honest local businesses and fund wider criminal activity."
He said: "This closure order demonstrates what can be achieved when our Trading Standards officers and Lancashire Police work together. We will continue to take firm action against businesses that break the law, protect consumers and ensure legitimate traders are not undercut by those operating illegally."
He said: "I would encourage anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or illicit vapes to report it. Information from the public is vital in helping us identify offenders and take action."
Operation Centurion
Police said the closure order was part of Lancashire Constabulary's Operation Centurion.
The force described the operation as a county-wide crack down on anti-social behaviour and criminality, backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
Anti-social behaviour concerns can be reported to Lancashire Police by calling 101 or via the force's website.