Shop ordered to close following Trading Standards raids
A convenience store in Nelson has been shut for three months after county Trading Standards officers uncovered hundreds of illicit tobacco products and illegal vapes over a series of inspections earlier this year.
Dyare's Mini Market, on Scotland Road, received the closure order after two visits by officers between March and May. According to Lancashire County Council, the inspections led to the seizure of 359 illegal tobacco products and 19 illegal vapes with an estimated value of around £2,500.
Officials said the decision to seek a closure order followed further concerns when, despite the earlier seizures, an officer was still able to purchase illegal cigarettes at the premises a month later. The order prevents the business from trading during the period of closure.
“Our message is simple: shops that put profit before the wellbeing of our community have no place on our high streets. Illegal tobacco sales damage our economy and will not be tolerated.”
That was the response from Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council, following the court action.
What Trading Standards found
| Item | Quantity | Estimated value |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal tobacco products | 359 | Included in total |
| Illegal vapes | 19 | Included in total |
| Total estimated value | — | ~£2,500 |
County Trading Standards teams routinely target the supply of illicit tobacco and non-compliant vaping products because they undercut legitimate businesses and can bypass age-verification controls. In this case, officers undertook repeat inspections to test compliance following initial seizures.
Closure orders: how they work
Closure orders are a tool available to local authorities and police to temporarily shut premises linked to persistent unlawful activity. They are made by a court and can last for up to three months, with the aim of halting offending and protecting the public while compliance issues are addressed. Breaching a closure order can lead to further enforcement action.
In practice, Trading Standards can apply for a closure order where there is evidence that illicit products are being supplied and where previous interventions have not secured compliance. The order on Dyare's Mini Market follows that pattern, with the authority citing a subsequent test purchase of illegal cigarettes after earlier seizures.
Impact on the community and legitimate traders
Sales of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products can have several local impacts:
- They place compliant retailers at a disadvantage by avoiding tax and safety obligations.
- They can undermine efforts to prevent underage sales by circumventing formal checks.
- They raise consumer protection concerns, as illicit products may not meet UK safety and labelling standards.
For residents in Nelson, the temporary closure aims to disrupt supply and deter similar activity elsewhere on the high street. The council’s public statement is also a signal to other retailers that enforcement will follow where products fall outside the law.
What residents can do
People who have concerns about the sale of illicit tobacco or vapes in their area can share information with Trading Standards. Reports help officers identify problem locations, support test purchases and prioritise inspections. Consumers are also advised to buy from reputable retailers and to check for correct health warnings and labelling on tobacco and vaping products.
The closure of Dyare's Mini Market will remain in force for the full three-month period unless varied by the court. Lancashire County Council has not named any individuals in connection with the case beyond confirming the enforcement outcome and the scale of goods seized.
InfoRadar has approached Lancashire County Council for any further details on the court proceedings and will update readers if additional information is released.
