Store closed after tobacco found under 'dog kennel'

Two Worcestershire convenience stores have been ordered to close for three months after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco and vapes, council officials said.

Evesham Mini-Market, on High Street, and Pershore Home Store, on Broad Street, were closed by Worcester Magistrates' Court after previously being given temporary 48-hour closure notices.

Officers found more than £7,000 of illegal products in "unique hiding places" at the Pershore store, including in an electronically operated ceiling gantry and a hole in the floor concealed by something resembling a dog kennel.

Up to £8,683 worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco were seized from the Evesham shop.

The closure order, sought by Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) and granted on 10 July, can be extended by up to three months if it is believed there is a risk criminal activity may begin again.

WRS was acting on behalf of Wychavon District Council following an investigation by Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards, supported by the neighbourhood policing team.

Councillor Rick Deller, from Wychavon District Council, said the closure orders should send a message to businesses "who can lose as much as £1,000 a week in sales through this sort of illegal activity".

Councillor Josh Robinson, from Worcestershire County Council, added: "Tackling the sale of counterfeit tobacco helps protect residents from potentially harmful products while also addressing the criminal activity behind their distribution."

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