Local store ordered to close for three months following illegal tobacco investigation

Our Trading Standards and Legal Services teams have successfully obtained a closure order for a local convenience store that has been used to distribute illegal tobacco over the past year.

Barnsley Magistrates Court issued a three-month closure order last Thursday (19 February) for Goldthorpe 26, located at 26 High Street, Goldthorpe (S63 9LL), in a case brought against the store’s current and former owners.

This comes following a Trading Standards investigation into the suspected distribution and sale of illegal tobacco from the premises over the past year.

In addition to the closure order, Barnsley Council also successfully obtained an order for its legal costs. The court ordered both 26 Goldthorpe Limited, the previous owner, and Mr Ako Ahmed, the current owner, to pay £1,945 each for a total cost award of £3,890.

Joining forces with South Yorkshire Police on a series of visits and operations, this case shows how we’re committed to working with our partners to keep local people safe from potentially dangerous products, including illicit tobacco.

Since last April, our Trading Standards team has found 4,560 illegal cigarettes and 56 hand rolling tobacco pouches at the premises that didn’t meet legal regulations for sale in the UK:

• During a food standards visit in April 2025, Trading Standards Officers found a small number of illegal tobacco products being stored in the premises. They also found and seized a number of food products that breached key safety regulations.
• A joint operation with South Yorkshire Police last September led to the discovery of 1,340 illegal cigarettes and 14 pouches of hand rolling tobacco that breached regulations in a hidden concealment.
• Another hidden concealment was found by a sniffer dog during another joint operation with South Yorkshire Police last November. During this visit, officers found 3,040 illegal cigarettes and 41 pouches of hand rolling tobacco that breached regulations.

During the investigation, a series of test purchases were also conducted, with the store found to be selling illegal tobacco products on visits in August 2025 and January 2026.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities can ask the courts to issue closure orders to businesses considered to be engaging in criminal behaviour and causing a public nuisance, helping to prevent these activities from continuing or recurring.

Given the evidence presented as part of our Trading Standards investigation, this case shows how we’re committed to putting people’s safety first, taking action where businesses break key legislation designed to safeguard our communities.

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said:

Our teams are committed to tackling and preventing the sale of illegal tobacco in Barnsley, protecting the health and safety of our communities.

"While all tobacco poses significant health risks, unregulated products can contain higher levels of harmful substances, making them even more dangerous to people’s health, and are often sold at cheaper prices, making them more attractive to those who don’t smoke.

"This result sends a clear message that we won’t tolerate illegal trading in Barnsley, and how we’re committed to working with our partners to hold businesses who fail to comply with the rules and regulations to account.

Our Trading Standards team are committed to tackling the sale of illicit tobacco in Barnsley and keeping unsafe products off our shelves.

If you see anything suspicious or have any information about the sale of counterfeit goods, including illegal tobacco and vapes, please get in touch with the team by emailing RegulatoryServices@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 01226 773743.

We’re also here to help businesses understand their legal responsibilities. If your business has any questions about regulations or would like any advice, please contact the team by emailing RegulatoryServices@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 01226 773743.