A convenience shop that's at the centre of an illicit cigarette investigation has been closed down by enforcement officers after breaking trading standards.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council confirmed that it has secured a three-month closure order for The Red Shop (formerly known as The Yellow Shop), at 178a Belasis Avenue, Billingham at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 11).

The Court heard that several complaints were made to the Council about sales of “cheap” counterfeit cigarettes at the shop. 

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When the Council’s Trading Standards officers investigated they found evidence that counterfeit and illicit products were being sold.

Cigarettes were frequently being sold to customers for £5 – well below the average cost of 20 cigarettes, which usually sell for around £12.

The Northern Echo: The Red Shop (formerly known as The Yellow Shop), at 178a Belasis Avenue, BillinghamThe Red Shop (formerly known as The Yellow Shop), at 178a Belasis Avenue, Billingham (Image: STOCKTON COUNCIL)

Reports were also made of sales being made to children.

Test purchases carried out also confirmed that cigarettes bought from The Red Shop were found to be counterfeit, and did not have plain standardised packaging or a health warning on the product. 

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the council’s cabinet member for access, communities and community safety, has praised the work of officers working for the council and warned other shops about breaking trading rules.

The Northern Echo: An enforcement officer closing the store for three monthsAn enforcement officer closing the store for three months (Image: STOCKTON COUNCIL)

She said: “I’m pleased our Trading Standards officers have been able to secure these closure orders today because it shows that we take the sale of illegal and counterfeit cigarettes very seriously.

“Illegal cigarettes pose a big risk to communities because it’s very difficult to know what is in them and it’s incredibly worrying that such cigarettes are being sold so cheaply to our residents and particularly to children.

“I’d like to thank the team for their hard work and the work of Cleveland Police, to get the maximum closure of three months.

“I’d also encourage local people to report any sales of illicit/counterfeit tobacco to us so we can take the necessary action.”