Closure Order: Mr Blue Express, Thurnscoe

Barnsley Council has secured a three-month Closure Order against Mr Blue Express, a commercial premises located at Station Road, Thurnscoe, following ongoing illegal activity linked to the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.

The order was granted on Thursday, 29 January at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court after the Council submitted a comprehensive evidential bundle including witness statements and photographs. The company did not attend the hearing.

The Closure Order follows extensive enforcement activity by Barnsley Trading Standards, including repeated warnings, test purchases, the sale of illegal tobacco to a child, multi-agency raids and numerous product seizures. Officers also discovered sophisticated concealment methods, including electromagnetic hidden compartments used to store and restock illegal products.

Having reviewed the evidence, the District Judge found that the statutory threshold for a Closure Order had been met and that the order was necessary to prevent further offending. As a result, all access to the premises is prohibited for a period of three months, except for authorised personnel as specified in the Order.

Anyone found entering or remaining on the premises in breach of the Closure Order commits a criminal offence and may be arrested. If convicted, they may face imprisonment and/or a fine.

The Court also ordered that costs be paid in relation to the proceedings.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, “This Closure Order sends a clear message that Barnsley will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco or illegal vapes in our communities. These products are not only unlawful but deeply harmful, particularly when children and young people are being targeted and put at risk.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly over many months, carrying out test purchases, inspections, and multi-agency operations. Despite repeated warnings and significant seizures, this business continued to operate outside the law, using sophisticated hidden compartments to conceal illicit goods. The Court’s decision shows just how seriously this behaviour is taken.

“I want to thank our dedicated colleagues in Legal Services and Regulatory Services for their swift and professional work in securing this Closure Order. Their efforts protect residents, support legitimate local businesses, and help us keep Barnsley a safe and healthy place for everyone.”