A shop in Burton has been shut down following unlawful sale of illicit tobacco.
Officers from Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service worked with East Staffordshire Borough Council who served Riga European Store on Uxbridge Street a closure notice on Monday 9 March 2026.
This followed intelligence reports and targeted inspections of the business.
Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted the Closure Order for the premises on Tuesday 10 March 2026 for the maximum permitted period of three months. The Order prevents anyone from entering the premises during the closure period unless authorised.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Shutting down this shop shows our continued commitment to protecting Staffordshire communities. Illegal and unsafe products put people at risk and undermine honest businesses, and we will always take firm action against those who trade unlawfully.
This operation demonstrates the impact we can achieve when district councils, Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police work together—acting quickly, gathering strong evidence and securing robust court outcomes.
The message is clear: by working together, we can protect residents, safeguard young people and keep our high streets safe and fair for legitimate businesses.”
Simon Slater, Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services at East Staffordshire Borough Council said:
“This Closure Notice demonstrates the Council’s commitment to taking firm and immediate action against any premises involved in illegal trading. I would like to thank the officers and partners who worked so quickly to action this order, which will help protect our residents and deter further criminal activity in the area.”
People can report the sale of illicit, illegal or counterfeit goods to Trading Standards on their confidential helpline on 01785 330356 or on the Trading Standards webpage.
