Anger as Coventry premises continue to sell alcohol, cigarettes and vapes illegally

[dutchman]

Repeat offenders should be closed for good according to councillor



A Coventry councillor has called for premises that repeatedly break the law through the illegal sale of alcohol, cigarettes and vapes to be closed for good.

Cllr Marcus Lapsa raised the issue at this week’s (Tuesday) full council meeting, highlighting issues around a shop in Tile Hill.

In a question to Cllr Abdul Khan, the cabinet member for policing and equalities, he asked how many closure orders had been issued over the past three years and how many of those premises had been prosecuted for repeat offences. He was told that 13 closure orders had been issued but there had been no cases where outlets had faced further prosecution.

Cllr Lapsa asked: “Does the cabinet member agree that when a premises has been issued with closure orders numerous times, a permanent closure order should be pursued. The Mini Market in Station Avenue has had two – three really as one was an extension. Local people are asking because the lack of action is getting ridiculous.”

Tile Hill Mini Market in Station Avenue was one of the first ordered to close its doors for three months in December 2023 after being caught selling illegal vapes and cigarettes. It had continued selling the goods over several months despite previously being warned by council officers. It was ordered to shut up shop again in June 2024 and this three-month closure was then extended by a further three months.

The Euro Mini Market in Far Gosford Street is another repeat offender with closure orders issued in April 2024 and again March this year. The second ban was also extended to six months. The latest closure order issued by the council was in June when another city centre store, Peshmarga in King William Street, was shut down for a month.

But Cllr Khan said it could be that the council’s hands were tied when it came to those continually flouting the law. He said: “I have every confidence in the officers who deal with these matters to decide on the appropriate action. It may not be possible in law to apply for a full closure.”

Speaking after action was taken against the Far Gosford Street shop, a council spokesman said: “Cigarettes are sold at such low prices it makes them attractive to children, which can encourage smoking at an early age. Stores that sell illegal tobacco, contribute to anti-social behaviour within the local communities.

“Vapes seized can contain many times the permitted volume of liquid containing nicotine encouraging addiction. Counterfeit tobacco can contain high levels of tar and nicotine, as well as, other unknown substances as the quality control during production is unknown. Illicit vapes can also contain excessive amounts of nicotine and some test reports have shown the presence of heavy metals.”

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/anger-coventry-premises-sell-alcohol-32689054