Posted on Friday 12th December 2025
Ezee Shop on Bolebridge Street in Tamworth sold illegal tobacco products before being closed down.
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council have been working in partnership with Staffordshire Police and Tamworth Borough Council, who have secured a closure order on Ezee Shop on Bolebridge Street in Tamworth.
An interim 48-hour closure notice was issued on Tuesday 9 December following multiple discoveries of illegal and suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products being sold from the premises. On more than one occasion, Trading Standards officers from Staffordshire County Council recovered illicit items.
The action was taken to safeguard the public and to prevent ongoing criminal activity linked to the premises.
On Thursday 11 December, an extended closure order for a further three months was granted, pending ongoing investigations. Closure notices have been served on both the business owner and the shop landlord.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The successful outcome of this joint operation with Officers of Tamworth Borough Council sends out a clear message that we do not tolerate crime on our high streets and the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes in our communities.
“By working in partnership, we have been able to close a business that has been flouting the law.
“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks, especially to young people.
“The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for cooperative council, community partnerships and ASB for Tamworth Borough Council, said:
“This action demonstrates our firm commitment to protecting the public and tackling illegal activity head-on. Selling counterfeit tobacco is not only unlawful but poses real health risks, and we will not hesitate to intervene when businesses undermine the safety and wellbeing of our community. The swift closure of this premises shows that we take such offences extremely seriously.
“This outcome is also a testament to the strength of our partnership working. By working closely with Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police, we’ve been able to respond quickly, gather evidence, and secure the necessary legal powers to prevent further harm. Our message is clear: illegal trading will not be tolerated in Tamworth.”