A shop on Picton Road in Liverpool has been ordered to close for three months following an extensive investigation that uncovered the repeated sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes. Liverpool Magistrates' Court issued the closure order after Liverpool City Council's Public Protection Team presented evidence of persistent breaches over an 18-month period.
Key Takeaways
- The Corner Shop on Picton Road is closed for three months by court order.
- The closure follows an 18-month investigation by Liverpool City Council.
- The shop was found to be selling untaxed tobacco and banned single-use vapes.
- The owner was ordered to pay £3,726 in court costs.
- Illegal activities continued even after the shop changed ownership.
Court Imposes Three-Month Closure
On September 18, Liverpool Magistrates' Court mandated the immediate closure of The Corner Shop on Picton Road. The ruling prohibits the business from trading for a period of three months. This decision came after a series of violations were documented by council investigators.
In addition to the closure, the court ordered the shop's owner to cover the legal costs incurred by the council, amounting to a total of £3,726. The order is a direct consequence of the business's failure to comply with UK laws regarding tobacco and vaping products.
Why Closure Orders Are Used
Closure orders are a legal tool used by local authorities and courts to address premises that are associated with persistent criminal or nuisance behaviour. They are designed to provide immediate relief to the community and prevent further illegal activity from taking place at a specific location.
Details of the 18-Month Investigation
The court's decision was based on evidence gathered over a year and a half by Liverpool City Council's Public Protection Team. The investigation involved multiple visits and undercover operations designed to confirm reports of illegal sales.
During these operations, council officers successfully purchased untaxed tobacco products and single-use vapes that are banned from sale in the UK. These items do not meet legal safety standards and their sale undermines legitimate businesses.
Contraband Found in Vehicle
The investigation revealed the extent of the illegal operation. At one point, officers discovered a significant quantity of contraband cigarettes hidden in the boot of the owner's car. This discovery indicated a deliberate effort to conceal the illegal stock from authorities.
The persistence of the illegal activity was a key factor in the council's decision to seek a closure order. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the shop continued to sell illicit goods despite multiple warnings and interventions.
Over 18 months of surveillance and undercover operations were conducted by the Public Protection Team before the case was brought to court, highlighting the thoroughness of the investigation.
Persistent Breaches and Additional Violations
A notable aspect of the case was the continuation of illegal sales even after the business changed hands. The court heard that the ownership of The Corner Shop had been transferred during the 18-month investigation period, yet the illicit trade did not stop.
This demonstrated to the court that the premises itself, rather than a single owner, was a hub for this type of illegal activity. The council argued that a temporary closure was necessary to break the cycle of criminal behaviour associated with the location.
Immigration Offence Uncovered
The investigation also uncovered other legal violations. During one visit, officials conducted identification checks on staff members present in the shop. These checks revealed that one man working at the premises had no legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
This finding was reported to the relevant immigration authorities and added to the list of breaches connected to the business, further strengthening the case for its closure.
Council Sends a Clear Warning
Liverpool City Council has stated that the closure sends a strong message to other businesses that might consider flouting the law. Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, the cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, commented on the outcome.
"This persistent disregard for the law is completely unacceptable. Repeated warnings were ignored and when businesses continue to put profit before public safety, we will take firm action to protect residents."
She emphasised the council's commitment to protecting the public from the risks associated with unregulated products. The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes can pose health risks as the products do not undergo the safety and quality checks required by UK law.
Cllr Robertson-Collins concluded with a direct warning to others engaged in similar activities. "This closure sends a clear message: we will not tolerate businesses who flout the rules," she said. The council encourages residents to report any suspicions of illegal trading to its Public Protection Team.