Shops in Spalding, Crowland and Holbeach forced to close as part of crackdown on illegal cigarettes and vapes
Seven new shop closure orders have been issued as part of a clampdown on traders selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
The action at shops in Spalding, Crowland and Holbeach adds to existing action - meaning there are now 13 shops in South Holland that have been forced to close their doors by the courts for this sort of offence.
Court orders have now been granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, at:
Stop n Shop, 24 Winsover Road, Spalding
Nida, 13 Winsover Road, Spalding
Global Foods, 2 Winsover Road, Spalding
Babany, 17 Winsover Road, Spalding
Europe store, 46 Holbeach Road, Spalding
Adams Mini Mart, 8 North Street Crowland
Sweet and vape shop, 5 High Street, Holbeach
Inspector Matt Dickinson, of South Holland Neighbourhood Policing, said: “The anti-social behaviour and criminality associated with these kinds of shops is not welcome in our county.
“Together, with our trading standards partners and other agencies, we are united in stamping out illegal tobacco and vape sales with unwavering force for the safety of our community here in Lincolnshire.”
Addressing concerns about premises potentially reopening after the three-month closure orders expire, Andy Wright, principal trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “These latest closures bring the total shops currently closed for selling illegal cigarettes and vapes in Spalding and the surrounding area to 13.
“Police and trading standards are currently working with premises landlords to provide a long-term solution once Closure Orders expire.
“Where there is any doubt whether the criminal activity will continue we will have no hesitation applying for Closure Extensions. We hope this will address community concerns about these premises re-opening.”
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