A local convenience store that stored illegal products and sold restricted items to children has been shut down.
Earlier this month, with the support of the Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire police issued a closure order to the Buy and Save store in Stanton Hill.
According to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, this directive has been issued and was confirmed by the Mansfield Magistrates' Court on Thursday, December 1. The directive mandates the forced closure of the store for at least three months and will trigger a mandatory license review.
The Nottinghamshire police have received numerous complaints about this shop and are working in collaboration with Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Trading Standards Association to take action.
The complaints involve repeatedly selling cigarettes, alcohol, and e-cigarette products to underage customers, as well as repeatedly selling illegal e-cigarette products.
During a recent police sting operation, this store was found to have sold a large kitchen knife to a child. Additionally, two machetes were discovered behind the shop counter, with the store claiming these items were for their own protection.
During a police visit, a large amount of marijuana-infused candy was found behind the counter.
Residents have repeatedly complained about anti-social behavior related to the shops, ranging from violating regulations by using fireworks and firecrackers dangerously, reckless driving, and littering.
Commander John Hewitt, of the Ashfield area, stated that "due to its continued and reckless disregard for the law, this operation has unfortunately become a magnet for anti-social behavior.
We have received frequent complaints about the location and have worked together with colleagues from the local council and trade standards bureau to take decisive action.
The presence of licensing laws and other retail restrictions serve a purpose, and we simply will not tolerate individuals repeatedly choosing to disregard them.
The company has received multiple warnings and has failed to make the required changes. I hope that the decisive action we are taking now will serve as a warning to others about the consequences of such behavior.
Robert Docherty, Director of Venues and Communities, stated:
Our environmental health team has collaborated with our colleagues in the trade standards department and Nottinghamshire police, to ensure that premises in the Ashfield area do not pose a risk to public health.
Making public health and safety the top priority is our primary task.
Officials noted several health and safety violations, as well as food sanitation issues. If the store reopens, they will ensure these issues are addressed.
Officials from the Ashfield District Council are continuing to collaborate with the police, trading standards, and other agencies to ensure the safety of all our residents.
John Cottee, a member of the Nottinghamshire County Council Community Cabinet, stated that selling age-restricted products and illegal e-cigarettes to children not only harms honest local businesses but also impacts our local community through associated health risks and anti-social behavior.
The Nottinghamshire Trading Standards Committee will continue to work closely with partner organizations to support businesses in conducting trade legally and safely, and take action when necessary to combat illicit trade.
In this situation, the shutdown sends a message to illegal traders that illicit trade is not tolerated.
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