A local convenience store in the UK, which was found to be storing illegal goods and repeatedly selling restricted products to children, has been closed down.
Earlier this month, with the support of the Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire Police issued a closure order to the Buy and Save store in Stanton Hill.
According to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, this order was issued and confirmed by the Mansfield Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday), forcing the closure of the store for a minimum of three months and triggering a mandatory license review.
Nottinghamshire Police have received multiple complaints about this store and are working in conjunction with Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Trading Standards Association to take action.
The complaints include repeatedly selling cigarettes, alcohol, and e-cigarette products to underage customers, as well as repeatedly selling illegal e-cigarette products.
During a police sting operation, this store was found to have sold a large kitchen knife to a child. Two machetes were also discovered behind the counter, which the store claimed were for self-defense purposes.
During the police visit, a large quantity of marijuana-infused candies were discovered behind the counter.
Residents have repeatedly complained about anti-social behavior related to the shops, ranging from reckless use of fireworks outside to aggressive driving and littering.
Commander John Huxley of the Ashfield area stated, "Due to its continuous and reckless disregard for the law, this operation has unfortunately become a magnet for anti-social behavior.
We have often received complaints about this venue and have collaborated with colleagues from the local council and trading standards office to take decisive action.
The existence of licensing laws and other retail restrictions is not without reason, and we will not tolerate those who repeatedly choose to disregard them.
The company has received multiple warnings for not making changes as required. I hope the decisive action we are taking now will serve as a warning to others about the consequences of such behavior.
Robert Docherty, the local community leader, has stated that their environmental health team has been working closely with colleagues from the trade standards department and Nottinghamshire police to ensure that the Ashfield area's premises do not pose a risk to public health. Their top priority is to put public health and safety first. They have also noted some health and safety violations and food safety concerns, and if shops are to reopen, officials will ensure that these issues are addressed. Ashfield district council officials will continue working with the police, trade standards, and other agencies to ensure the safety of all their residents.
John Cottee, a member of the Nottinghamshire County Council Community Cabinet and a councilor, stated that selling age-restricted products to children and illegal e-cigarettes not only harms honest local businesses but also contributes to the health risks and antisocial impacts on our community.
Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards will continue to work closely with partner agencies to support businesses in trading legally and safely, and take action if necessary to combat illegal trading. In this case, the closure order sends a clear message to unethical traders that illegal trading will not be tolerated.
2FIRSTS will continue to track and report on this issue, with further updates available on the '2FIRSTSAPP'. Scan the QR code below to download the app.
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