Two Bedford businesses closed for just TWO MONTHS for selling illegal tobacco
Frozen Food Plus in Midland Road and Bedford International Express, as well as the adjoining vacant unit on Greyfriars, have all been closed.
The shops were all served the orders on August 5 following a joint operation between Bedford Borough Council’s Trading Standards and Bedfordshire Police – with Luton Magistrates’ Court granting the orders the following day.
However, they will only be closed for TWO MONTHS, despite supplying and distributing illegal tobacco.
Closure orders prohibit any trading at the premises and restrict anyone from entering without prior permission from the authorities. Breaching an order is a criminal offence, carrying potential penalties of a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 51 weeks.
The orders could be extended for a further three months if illegal activity continues once it reopens.
Magistrates heard the council had compelling evidence a group was trading at various premises in the town centre and the wider region, and were actively involved in the supply and distribution of illegal tobacco.
Council officers added that, if the vacant unit on Greyfriars was not also served a closure order, the group could potentially open it and continue illegal activities from there.
This is the seventh closure order over a period of 18 months at premises in Bedford – with a number of other shops either closing voluntarily or the occupiers being evicted by landlords following discussions with Trading Standards.
Prior to the closure orders being granted, during this year’s River Festival, Bedfordshire Police and Trading Standards witnessed illegal cigarettes being bought inside Bedford International Express, supplied from Frozen Food Plus.
Councillor Andrea Spice, portfolio holder for economic prosperity, planning, housing and regulatory services, said: “Illegal tobacco and vape sales threaten public health, damage legitimate businesses, and are frequently linked to wider criminal activities.
“Bedford Borough Council is fully committed to taking strong, decisive action to protect our community. These closure orders clearly demonstrate our determination to maintain a fair and safe trading environment for everyone.”