Truro Shop Ordered to Close for Three Months Over Illegal Tobacco Sales

A shop in Truro has been ordered to close for three months after evidence showed illegal tobacco was being sold from the premises.

Closure Order Granted at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court

On Tuesday, 2nd December, Bodmin Magistrates’ Court approved a closure order for Easy Shop at 8 Duke Street, Truro. Devon and Cornwall Police submitted the application after Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team provided evidence of illegal sales.

Test purchases confirmed that illegal products were being sold, leading to a warrant being executed at the shop where illegal tobacco was seized. The court was also told about the public health risks linked to illegal tobacco, with smoking responsible for almost 1,000 deaths in Cornwall each year.

Council and Police Respond

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “When businesses fail to adhere to the law, we will not hesitate to act. I’m delighted that we have been able to disrupt the illegal activity that has taking place at these premises and would like to thank our Trading Standards officers and our colleagues at Devon and Cornwall Police for their work in securing this order from the court.”

PC Charotte Grimstead said: “This constant behaviour was causing real harm to the wellbeing of the community, so it was important we took action. Alongside the Council, we will continue to work closely in the area with the tenant and local residents to deter future offences. This is a great example of partnership working. Thank you to everyone who came forward to report to us your information was vital in the investigation.”

Support for Smokers and Reporting Concerns

Healthy Cornwall provides free advice to anyone who wants to stop smoking. People can call 01872 324 200 or search smoke free Cornwall online for support.

Trading Standards is urging anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, illegal vapes or the sale of vapes to under 18s to report it.

📷Rob Jenkins, Trading Standards Officer at Cornwall Council and PC Charlotte Grimstead (Devon and Cornwall Police) outside Easy Shop