ARA Mini Market on Broomfield Road in Coventry has been issued with a closure order following repeated offences involving the sale of illegal tobacco, unlawful vaping products, and counterfeit items.
Coventry magistrates granted the three-month closure order on Thursday, 3 September.
The premises must remain shut until 11.59pm on 2 December 2026.
The application for the court order was submitted jointly by Coventry Police and Coventry City Council’s Trading Standards service.
The authorities stated that the action was necessary to prevent continued criminal activity and to safeguard young people from exposure to harmful substances.
Councillor John McNicholas, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Cohesion, expressed that efforts were being intensified alongside police and local communities to shut down retailers engaged in illegal trading.
He stated that the closure order represented another constructive outcome in these ongoing efforts.
He emphasised that a zero-tolerance approach would be maintained regarding any unlawful conduct by retailers, encompassing illegal tobacco, vaping products, and other counterfeit sales.
Retailers found to be violating the law would face consequences, and residents were encouraged to report such criminal activity to assist in combating commercial crime.
Coventry South Northwest Inspector Dal Bal confirmed that, in conjunction with Trading Standards, officers had taken steps to close the premises.
He stated that the priority remained the protection of communities and addressing those who repeatedly violated the law by prioritising illegal profits over public safety and wellbeing.
Ongoing work focused on reducing crime and disorder while making Coventry a safer place, with local efforts concentrating on anti-social behaviour, shop theft, and collaborative initiatives with councillors to develop sustainable solutions.