Stowmarket shop closed for selling illegal tobacco and vapes
The shop has been the subject of multiple enforcement visits since it first opened in late 2023
A shop in Stowmarket has been ordered to close for three months for selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
It comes following a joint operation from Suffolk County Council Trading Standards and Mid Suffolk District Council. It's the first closure order in the county granted by the courts for the sales of illegal tobacco or vapes from a business.
Star Convenience, on Ipswich Street, has been the subject of multiple enforcement visits since it first opened in late 2023.
In November 2023, Trading Standards officers seized illegal tobacco hidden under the counter during an inspection of the newly opened store.
Two further inspections during 2024 using tobacco detection dogs, revealed hidden concealments were being used to hide illegal goods on site. In total 134 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, 463 packets of illegal cigarettes, and 458 illegal vapes were found and seized.
Despite a change in tenant, further test purchase operations conducted by Trading Standards in late 2024 and early 2025 confirmed Star Convenience was still selling illegal tobacco.
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said:
“This closure sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products here in Suffolk.
“These items are not only harmful to resident’s health, but they also undermine legitimate local businesses and fund organised crime. I commend the work of our Trading Standards team and partners in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, added:
“Our officers have uncovered repeated and deliberate attempts to conceal illegal goods, including the use of hidden compartments and persistent unlawful trading. The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes puts the public at risk and damages community trust.
“This Closure Order is the result of thorough investigation, community intelligence, and partnership working. It is the first one in Suffolk for such activity and we will be seeking to use this powerful enforcement mechanism much more in the future to tackle and prevent the sales of illegal tobacco and vapes.”