Derby Street, Bolton shops shut over nitrous oxide and vapes

The closure orders were granted against Ramis Off Licence and Ted’s Convenience Store, two separate premises both based on Derby Street in Deane.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court heard both had been involved in the large-scale supply of illicit cigarettes, illegal vapes, narcotics, and nitrous oxide.

The court heard that these activities had links to organised crime groups in Bolton.

Bolton Council cabinet member for environmental services, Cllr Robert Morrisey said: “These closure orders send a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities.

“The sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes, drugs and nitrous oxide harms local neighbourhoods, fuels organised crime and puts vulnerable people at risk.

Ramis was also given a closure order (Image: Bolton Council)

“This successful action demonstrates the strength of partnership working in Bolton and our determination to tackle those who profit from criminality.”

The closure orders against the two shops were granted by magistrates to council trading standards officers on Thursday, August 6.

According to court documents, both were made subject to applications for closure orders because of noise and disorder.

Magistrates heard how the shop’s activity was also associated with antisocial behaviour in the nearby area and concerns about vulnerable young people being drawn into substance misuse.

This came after multi-agency investigation involving Bolton Council trading standards, community safety, Greater Manchester Police and other partner organisations.

Both businesses will now have to stay closed for three months.

Speaking after the police operation, Cllr Ayyub Patel, of Rumworth, said: “The recent GMP operation on Derby Street has led to two shops being closed for three months after officers found large quantities of nitrous oxide, laughing gas, and other illegal substances.

“This action didn’t happen by chance, it happened because residents spoke up, and because our neighbourhood officers acted quickly.”

He added: “Rumworth has strong, family centred communities.

“When dangerous substances like nitrous oxide start appearing in local shops, it puts our children, teenagers, and vulnerable young adults at risk.

“This isn’t just a policing issue. It’s a community safeguarding issue.

“Young people are being targeted because it’s cheap, easy to access, and wrongly seen as safe. As a community, we must challenge that myth.”