Coventry shop closed after selling illegal tobacco and unsafe toys
Spon Mini Market ordered to shut down for three months
Spon Mini Market in Coventry City Centre has been ordered to close for three months after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco, vapes, and dangerous toys.
The closure comes following a ruling by Leamington Magistrates Court on 20th May 2026.
Coventry City Council's Trading Standards and Legal teams requested the Closure Order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Investigations revealed persistent sales of counterfeit cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and untested vapes at the premises.
Additionally, toys found on-site posed choking hazards and failed to meet safety standards.
The court found the tobacco sold at the store was counterfeit and tax evading, impacting both public health and community resources.
Efforts by Trading Standards Officers to ensure compliance went ignored by the business operators.
Costs totalling £3,616.94 were imposed on the business operators, landlords, and agents.
The Closure Order prohibits anyone from accessing the premises until 20th August 2026.
Breaching the order could result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
Cllr John McNicholas, from Coventry City Council, emphasised: “This closure is good news for residents and for law-abiding businesses. The Council’s Trading Standards Team is working closely with West Midlands Police and other partners to improve communities and stop commercial crime, and this closure sends an important message to those retailers selling illegal goods.”
The sale of illegal products harms legitimate businesses and contributes to anti-social behaviour, with implications for organised crime and public health.
Children are especially at risk due to the low costs encouraging smoking and vaping.
Counterfeit toys pose risks ranging from skin irritation to cancer links due to banned chemicals.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, highlighted the impact of initiatives like Operation CeCe in combating the illicit tobacco trade led by criminal gangs.
Community reports play a crucial role in addressing such activities.