POLICE have closed a mini market as part of a crackdown on counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol and vapes.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary obtained a closure order on July 3 at Bristol Magistrates’ Court to immediately shut down Danube Mini Market on Two Mile Hill Road, St George, for three months.
In April, the Neighbourhood Policing Team and officials from Bristol City Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Team seized large amounts of counterfeit tobacco and cigarette stock from the mini market. The business was also caught trading alcohol suspected to be stolen from other retailers, resulting in two arrests and a Section 32 search of the immediate premises.
If further steps need to be taken when the three-month closure period comes to an end, police and partners will apply to the courts for a further extension to prevent illegal business activity from resuming.
Kelly Parsons, anti-social behaviour manager at Avon and Somerset police, said: “The sale of illegal cigarettes not only fuels wider criminal networks but also has a significant impact on the safety and wellbeing of the local community.
“These products are unregulated, often contain harmful substances, and undermine legitimate businesses that operate within the law.
“Thanks to licensing intelligence, we were able to present evidence demonstrating the harm the store was causing, and we welcome the court’s decision to grant the order.
“With closure powers at our disposal when needed, we’ll continue to work with our partners to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and related crime at commercial and residential properties, ensuring Bristol remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “The sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant goods damages public health, deprives public services of funding through tax and duty evasion, undermines legitimate businesses and in some cases can be linked to wider criminality and exploitation. This operation shows the strength of our partnership working and our determination to protect residents and keep our communities safe. We will continue to take firm action where businesses break the law and put people at risk.
“I would like to thank our Trading Standards team and all of the agencies involved in this operation for their continued work to protect residents and hold businesses operating illegally on our high streets to account.”