Local shop closed for three months after illegal tobacco offences

A local shop has been ordered to close for three months after Barnsley Council successfully secured a closure order for the sale of illegal tobacco.

At Barnsley Magistrates’ Court, B.U Dearne Mini Market, located at Unit 2, St Andrews’ Square in Bolton on Dearne, was ordered to close for three months from Thursday, 9 April. As part of the court’s decision, the leaseholder, Boton Ismaeel Mahmood, was also ordered to pay £2,704 in costs.

The closure order follows a series of illegal tobacco offences over the past year. Earlier this year, Barnsley Council’s Trading Standards team found that the business was continuing to sell illegal tobacco products and took immediate action to protect local people from potentially harmful goods.

The shop failed two test purchases in February and March, during which illegal cigarettes were sold that did not meet legal requirements, including the absence of mandatory health warnings. On both occasions, the cigarettes were sold for as little as £5.

During a further visit in March, Trading Standards officers discovered 2,920 illegal cigarettes and 45 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco on the premises, which breached tobacco regulations.

Under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities can apply to the courts for closure orders where premises are associated with criminal activity and are causing a public nuisance. Closure orders are intended to prevent illegal activity from continuing or recurring.

By securing this closure order, Barnsley Council has taken firm action to prioritise public safety and prevent the sale of unregulated tobacco products within the borough.

Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities, said:

“We’re committed to tackling the sale of illegal tobacco in Barnsley and taking decisive action to keep local people safe.

“While all tobacco carries serious health risks, illegal and unregulated products can contain higher levels of harmful substances and are often sold cheaply and without health warnings, making them more accessible and appealing.

“This outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal trading in Barnsley, and we will take action against businesses that fail to comply with the law.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit products in Barnsley, including illegal tobacco or vapes, is encouraged to contact the council’s Trading Standards team by emailing RegulatoryServices@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 01226 773743.

Trading Standards officers are also available to support businesses in understanding and meeting their legal responsibilities. Business owners with questions about regulations can contact the team using the same details.