Lancaster shop faces second three-month closure for illegal tobacco sales
Partnership between Trading Standards and police targets city centre shop
City Mini Market in Lancaster city centre has been ordered to close for three months due to the sale of illicit tobacco products, marking its second closure following similar offences.
On 2nd June, Burnley Magistrates Court issued the Closure Order, initiated by Lancashire Constabulary under anti-social behaviour legislation.
The shop, located on Penny Street, previously faced a three-month closure in January 2025 for selling illicit tobacco, vaping products, and illegally selling a vape to a child during test operations.
Enforcement actions and community safety
Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers conducted numerous visits to the shop, leading to the recent enforcement action.
Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, praised the collaboration between Trading Standards and the police:
"This is a great result and an excellent example of successful partnership working."
Roberts emphasised that strong actions will be taken against law-breaking businesses, encouraging the public to report concerns about age-restricted product sales to Trading Standards.
Lancaster Neighbourhood Officer, PC Sian Seddon, highlighted the efforts involved in building a case against City Mini Market:
"We will always work closely with partners to address concerns reported to us, and this closure order is evidence of this."
She noted the importance of neighbourhood policing efforts to maintain community safety and deter illicit business practices.
Message to the business community
PC Seddon expressed that the closure of City Mini Market serves as a message to businesses that illegal operations will not be tolerated.
She urged local residents to continue reporting concerns to the police and Trading Standards.