Nasz Market in Sheep Market, Spalding forced to shut by court order after it was found to be selling illegal cigarettes

A Spalding shop has been forced to close by the courts after it was found to be selling illegal cigarettes.

Nasz Market, in Sheep Market, was issued with the closure order by Lincoln Magistrates’ Court yesterday after an application by the using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It will have to shut for three months – the maximum period allowed under the legislation.

We have previously reported that the authorities were considering going to the courts as part of a crackdown on the sale of illegal cigarettes – with organised gangs said to have been using Spalding’s shops as a front for such activity.

This was a Lincolnshire Trading Standards led Investigation in which the police assisted.

Inspector Nick Waters from South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “While the prosecution of illegal trading falls under Lincolnshire Trading Standards, we work very closely with them and support in any way we can. Recognising the impact such trading has on our communities, led us to apply for and be successful in obtaining the closure order.”

Mark Keal, head of Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said: “This is another win in our fight against the sale of illegal cigarettes in the county, and we’d like to thank Lincolnshire Police for their support. These products not only present greater fire safety and health risks, but the sale of them can attract other anti-social behaviour to an area and even fund organised crime – which is why we work together to stub it out.

“If you have any information about the sale of illegal cigarettes, anywhere in Lincolnshire, please let us know.”

The order prohibits anyone, other than the owner of the property or his agents, from remaining on or entering the property at any time.

Under The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 the court may make a closure order if it is satisfied—

(a)that a person has engaged, or (if the order is not made) is likely to engage, in disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on the premises, or

(b)that the use of the premises has resulted, or (if the order is not made) is likely to result, in serious nuisance to members of the public, or

(c)that there has been, or (if the order is not made) is likely to be, disorder near those premises associated with the use of those premises, and that the order is necessary to prevent the behaviour, nuisance or disorder from continuing, recurring or occurring.

Breach of the order is a criminal offence.