Major boost for crackdown on illicit cigarettes

Teesside Magistrates granted the three-month orders on 15 Murray Street and 40 Murray Street following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team.

Whilst the orders are in force, no-one is allowed to enter the premises other than officers of the local authority.

The latest orders come hot on the heels of a successful application for a three-month extension to an existing Closure Order relating to the International Food Store at 45 Murray Street.

One other retail premise, 29 Murray Street, is also currently subject to a Closure Order.

Council officials say the latest orders will help to prevent those involved in the sale of illicit tobacco from simply re-locating to alternative premises each time a shop is closed.

15 Murray Street

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “For some time, Trading Standards have been engaged in an incredibly frustrating game of cat and mouse with those involved in this illicit trade who switch from shop to shop each time a Closure Order is granted

“Having multiple Closure Orders in place at the same time means that there are now fewer premises available, reducing the options open to those intent on breaking the law.

“We will, however, continue to face challenges whilst landlords allow their premises to be used for criminal activity and we are now actively exploring ways of how we can take action against them too.”

40 Murray Street

She thanked Trading Standards for their tireless work in gathering the evidence required to secure the latest orders and issued a fresh appeal for residents with information or concerns about illegal cigarette and tobacco sales to contact the Council or the police.

She added: “It is important that as law-abiding residents we make a stand against illegal behaviour to encourage a sense of pride in neighbourhoods across the borough.”

The latest Closure Orders will remain in force until 16th March 2025 and at the hearing where they were granted costs totalling £3879.63 were awarded to Hartlepool Borough Council by Teesside Magistrates. Anyone who witnesses the orders being breached is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.