Croydon Council has secured its first-ever closure order targeting illicit tobacco and vape sales, successfully shutting down a shop in the town centre following repeated breaches of trading laws.
‘Stop and Shop’ at 79 Church Street has been closed for three months, along with its adjoining flat, after an investigation uncovered ongoing illegal sales of counterfeit tobacco and vaping products. The closure follows months of enforcement activity by the Council’s award-winning trading standards team.
Concerns were first raised in November 2023 when a resident suspected they had been sold counterfeit cigarettes. Subsequent test purchases and enforcement raids revealed a significant operation, with hidden compartments in the shop concealing hundreds of illegal items.
Despite repeated warnings, the business continued to operate unlawfully, prompting the Council to seek a court-ordered closure.
“This closure was brought about by the Council’s award-winning trading standards team – another great result tackling criminality in Croydon,” said Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon. “Criminals operating in Croydon damage reputable businesses and put residents’ health at risk. We will continue to work with law enforcement partners to shut down illegal operations in our borough.”
The Council says it will maintain its tough stance on illegal trading to protect public health and uphold fair competition for legitimate businesses.
