Mini-marts told to shut down over illegal tobacco

Five shops in a seaside town have been told to close immediately after hidden stashes of tens of thousands of cigarettes and packs of tobacco were discovered.

The mini-mart type stores were at the centre of 14 raids which followed what Great Yarmouth Borough Council described as months of intelligence-led raids.

It issued the businesses with immediate closure notices and has applied for a court order which could see them remain shut for longer.

"Undercover test purchases highlighted persistent criminal behaviour; we now have the evidence we need to hit them where it really hurts and shut the businesses down," said Paul Wells, the cabinet member responsible for licensing.

"We want Great Yarmouth to be welcoming and safe.

"Cracking down on illegal trading and associated criminality is, and will continue to be, a priority for us."

The raids involved specialist teams and dogs and were carried out following work by the council, Trading Standards, Norfolk Police and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) teams.

A hearing scheduled at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday will consider an application from the council for the shops to remain closed for three months.

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