Two convenience stores in Worcestershire town centres have been ordered to close for three months following a trading standards investigation that uncovered thousands of pounds' worth of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
Court backs closure to curb persistent criminality
Worcester Magistrates' Court granted the closure notices on July 10 after Worcestershire Trading Standards, supported by local police, carried out multiple visits and test purchases. The action follows a temporary 48-hour closure notice served by council officers earlier in the month.
The premises affected are Evesham Mini-market on High Street and Pershore Home store on Broad Street. Authorities say both shops were repeatedly found to be selling illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes with a combined retail value running into the thousands.
“Securing these further closure orders should provide further reassurance to residents that all partners are committed to working together to drive organised crime out of our town centres,”
The comment came from Cllr Rick Deller, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Housing, Regulatory and Customer Services, who added that such enforcement is also intended to support law‑abiding businesses that can lose significant sales to illegal traders.
What was seized and what happens next
Officers say the investigation included several test purchases and targeted visits. From the Evesham shop alone, authorities removed a quantity of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco with a stated retail value of £8,683.80. Overall, the two premises were found to be selling contraband with a combined retail value said to exceed £16,000.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shops closed | Evesham Mini-market; Pershore Home store |
| Initial closure | 48 hours (by council officers) |
| Court-ordered closure | 3 months (may be extended by further 3 months) |
| Seized retail value (Evesham) | £8,683.80 |
| Combined retail value (both shops) | More than £16,000 |
The three-month prohibition can be extended by a further three months where the court believes there is a risk of ongoing criminal activity. Trading standards say the power to close premises under section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 is used when other enforcement options have been exhausted.
Local impact and practical points for residents
Enforcement of this kind aims to protect both public health and legitimate local retailers. Lawful traders complain that the sale of untaxed or counterfeit tobacco can undercut honest businesses by substantial amounts — figures cited by councillors suggest losses of up to £1,000 a week for some outlets.
- Residents who suspect a shop is selling illegal tobacco or vapes can report concerns to Worcestershire Regulatory Services or Trading Standards.
- Court orders are intended to be temporary but can be extended if illegal activity appears likely to resume.
- Police and trading standards continue to work together on follow-up investigations where criminal activity is suspected.
Officers involved say the investigation was extensive and involved coordinated visits by Worcestershire Trading Standards and local Safer Neighbourhood teams from Evesham and Pershore.
The closures underline a continuing focus from local authorities on tackling organised and persistent illegal trade in town centres, balancing commercial fairness with public safety.
