Shops in Boston that have been supplying counterfeit, unsafe, non-duty paid cigarettes, have been ordered to shut for three months.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards applied for Closure Orders in respect of four premises trading in Boston. Closure Orders were granted by the Magistrates in respect of Market AZADI, 17 West Street, Bucharest, 95 West St, and Europlus, 30 West St.
A Closure Order for a fourth premises, Sophia, 7 Horncastle Road, has been adjourned to allow the closure to be contested, although the Magistrates did order that the premises remain closed in the interim.
Andy Wright from Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: “We applied for these orders based on evidence that criminal activity was taking place on the premises. The Magistrates granted the orders for the maximum period allowed by the law – three months. However the option of extending that by a further three months will be considered in future if necessary.”
Trading Standards officers, assisted by Lincolnshire Police, visited the premises on 19 June 2023, where large quantities of illegal, child-appealing vapes were also found and seized.
Inspector Colin Clarkson from Lincolnshire Police said: “It’s important that we take joint action to stop businesses trading illegally. Criminal activity will not be accepted and attracts undesirable elements into the centre of Boston. We’ll continue to work with Lincolnshire Trading Standards to protect the public from dangerous products.”
