Council secures further closures as crackdown on illegal tobacco continues

Cheshire West and Chester Council has taken decisive action this month to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco across the borough, securing significant seizures and the closure of multiple premises.

On 1st April 2026, Trading Standards officers working with Cheshire Police, carried out inspections at four premises in Northwich, seizing illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes with an estimated retail value of around £130,000.

Two of the shops visited were subsequently ordered to close for three months:

• A to Z Convenience Store, 27 High Street, Northwich
• Northwich Mini Market, 96–98 Station Road, Northwich

Both premises were ordered to close at a hearing on Wednesday 08 April, due to ongoing illegal tobacco activity.

The Council also secured further enforcement results in Ellesmere Port. Two premises that were previously closed from 21 November 2025 to 20 February 2026 were monitored for compliance after reopening.

Test purchases at both stores found that illegal tobacco was again being sold, prompting the Council to return to court to seek additional three‑month closure orders.

At a hearing on Friday 10 April, closure orders were granted for:

• Ellesmere Port Off Licence & Convenience Store, 31 Marina Drive,Ellesmere Port
• Local Express, 6 Thelwall Road, Ellesmere Port

This will be the second three‑month closure for these premises, reflecting the seriousness of their continued non‑compliance.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said:

“Illegal tobacco is a serious threat to our communities. It exploits vulnerable people, fuels organised crime and cheats honest businesses. Our message is clear: if you break the law, we will shut you down.

“This month’s actions show that we will pursue illegal traders relentlessly and take every power available to stop this criminal activity.”

Pictured - A to Z Convenience Store, 27 High Street, Northwich.