Eston corner shop closed after illicit tobacco crackdown

R and N, located on High Street in Eston, has been ordered to close for three months.

It comes after a joint investigation by Redcar and Cleveland Trading Standards and Cleveland Police to combat the sale of illegal tobacco products.ho

R & N has been closed for three months following investigations into the sale of illegal tobacco. (Image: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council)

Councillor Ursula Earl, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member, said: “The sale of illicit tobacco harms our communities, undermines legitimate local businesses and can make tobacco products more accessible to children and young people.

“This closure order demonstrates our commitment to working with partners to tackle illegal trading activity and hold those involved to account.

“We would encourage anyone with information about the sale of illicit tobacco to report it and help us protect residents and businesses across the borough.”

Authorities say the illicit tobacco trade is linked to organised criminal activity and can make the products more accessible to children and young people.

Lord Michael Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The illicit tobacco trade is driven by organised criminal gangs and poses serious risks to local communities, especially young people.

“Since its launch in January 2021, Operation CeCe, a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC, has removed 102 million illegal cigarettes, 20,550kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, helping to clamp down on this illicit trade and protect communities and honest businesses across the UK.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco is urged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or report anonymously through the Keep It Out campaign website.