Third town centre shop closed after illegal tobacco uncovered
- Third town centre shop in seven weeks closed for selling illegal, illicit and counterfeit tobacco products
- Magistrates’ Court grants three-month closure to protect public safety and prevent further criminal activity
- Strong partnership working between Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police continues to disrupt criminal activity
Tamworth Borough Council, working in close partnership with Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police, have taken further decisive action to protect the public by securing a closure order on Market Convenience Store, 31 Market Street.
This latest action follows the closure of two other town centre premises in December 2025 and is part of ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of illegal and counterfeit tobacco products.
The action was taken to safeguard the public and to prevent ongoing criminal activity linked to the premises. The shop has been closed and boarded, with entry prohibited during the closure period.
An interim 48-hour closure notice was issued on Monday 26 January following multiple discoveries of illegal and suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products being sold from the premises.
On Wednesday 28 January, Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted an extended closure order for a further three months, pending ongoing investigations. Closure notices will be served on business manager, Mr Bawann Hama-Amin, and the shop landlord.
Chief Executive Stephen Gabriel, said: “This latest closure just a month after the previous two shows continued commitment to tackling illegal trading and protecting the public. The sale of counterfeit tobacco is unlawful and dangerous, and we will take firm action when businesses put people at risk.
“By working closely with our partners at Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police we are able to act swiftly, gather evidence and take strong action to protect people.”
Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards operations manager Tony Shore said: “Working in partnership with Tamworth Borough Council and Staffordshire Police, we’ve carried out another successful operation resulting in a shop closure where its owners have been flouting the law.
“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but also pose serious health risks, especially to young people. The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes helps to fuel organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets. This is another great result in our joint efforts to tackle the sale of illicit and illegal goods in Staffordshire and helps to send out a clear message that we do not tolerate crime on our high streets.”
This latest action demonstrates the ongoing work of the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership, bringing together Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards, and Staffordshire Police to disrupt criminal activity, protect residents and keep the town centre safe.
END
Notes to editors:
See below for the previous press releases:
- Swift partnership action closes town centre shop | Tamworth Borough Council
- Another town centre shop closed after illegal tobacco uncovered | Tamworth Borough Council
The business owners of the two previous closures:
- Eeze shop: Mr Mustafa Mamend
- Vape shop: Mr Jabar Hussain
Contact: communications@tamworth.gov.uk
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Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Staffordshire B79 7BZ