Hyde shop shut down after repeated illegal sales

A Hyde shop with a long-running history of selling illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes has been ordered to close following a successful investigation by Tameside Council.

Stockport Magistrates’ Court heard on 21 November that UK Store on Clarendon Street, Hyde, had repeatedly been caught selling illicit tobacco products, despite previous interventions. The court was told the premises had an extensive record of seizures and continued non-compliance.

Tameside Trading Standards officers reported that in just two recent operations, they confiscated 27,840 illegal cigarettes and 4.75kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco from the business. Evidence from both Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police indicated that the unlawful activity was likely to continue unless decisive action was taken.

Magistrates granted a three-month closure order, effectively shutting down the shop until at least early 2025.

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, welcomed the decision, emphasising the broader damage caused by the illegal tobacco trade.

She said: “The illegal tobacco trade supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.

“We work closely with businesses to support them to meet their public protection duties and ensure they are compliant, but where they are found to be flouting the law, we will always take enforcement action.

“Well done to the officers involved in successfully securing this closure order from the court – it will disrupt this illegal activity that was causing real harm to our community.”

The council is urging residents to report any concerns about illicit tobacco or vape sales to help protect young people, support legitimate traders and keep communities safe.