Ilfracombe shop shut again for illegal tobacco sales
Closure follows similar action against another store in the town
Ilfracombe Mini Market has been ordered to close for three months after illegal tobacco was found being sold from the premises.
The store, located at 10 High Street and recently reopened after a previous closure for similar offences, was given the order at Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court following a search during which tobacco products valued at £1,000 were seized.
This is the second shop closure in the area within two weeks, with City Market at 31 High Street shut down earlier after a Trading Standards investigation confirmed illegal tobacco sales.
Trading Standards, in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police, carried out a test purchase at Ilfracombe Mini Market which led to the discovery of the illegal goods and prompted a further closure order.
On Sunday 8th November, officers served the store with a 48-hour closure notice, leading to the magistrates' court order.
Devon & Cornwall Police Neighbourhood Team Leader for Ilfracombe, Sergeant Ash Steer, said the closure demonstrated efforts to disrupt illegal trade in the community.
“We will not tolerate illegal activity in Ilfracombe,” Sergeant Steer said, emphasising the commitment to stamp out ongoing criminality and anti-social behaviour.
Heart of the South West Trading Standards' Head of Intelligence and Investigations, Alex Fry, highlighted the swift action following the store's reopening as a clear message to businesses violating tobacco laws.
“It is particularly concerning that illegal tobacco was again being sold from this premises so soon after it reopened following an earlier closure,” Fry said.
Trading Standards and police aim to continue working together to protect communities and support legitimate businesses adhering to the law.