Another Torbay shop shut down in illegal tobacco clampdown

Another shop in Torbay has been closed by police and trading standards officers as part of a clampdown on illegal tobacco sales.

Police are pledging ‘robust’ action in the battle against the sale of counterfeit goods.

The shop in Paignton’s Hyde Road has been served with an official Closure Notice.

In a social media post Paignton police said its officers had worked alongside the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service to impose a temporary closure order which means the business has to close for three months.

The statement went on: “The sale of illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. These products are often unregulated, may contain harmful or unknown substances, and do not meet UK safety standards.

“They are frequently sold at a cheaper price, making them more accessible to young people and vulnerable members of our community. There is no quality control, no health warnings you can rely on, and no accountability. Using these products carries health risks.”

Police say they will not tolerate businesses choosing to profit from unlawful activity, and those who decide to trade illegally should expect robust action.

Trading standards officers are continuing their investigation into the business.

Seven shops in Torquay and Paignton were shut down last autumn in a similar operation targeting anti-social behaviour and the sale of illegal tobacco.

Torbay has emerged as a hotspot for the trade in illegal tobacco and vapes in recent months, and a meeting of Torbay Council heard that there was no other location that had as many premises involved in the illegal sale of tobacco as the bay.

The racket has links to organised crime, modern slavery and even the trade in guns and drugs. 

Counterfeit tobacco sells for as little as £5 per pouch, compared to £35 in supermarkets. Illegal cigarettes cost £5 a pack compared to £15 in legitimate stores. Fake brands with names like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Manchester’ are manufactured in huge quantities overseas in places including Belarus and Dubai.