Margate Magistrates Court…
Shops in Folkestone, selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco, have been ordered to close for three months by magistrates.
Shanga Shop in Sandgate Road, Folkestone, and Star Shop, in Cheriton High Street, were investigated in a joint operation between Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC), Kent Police and Kent County Council’s Trading Standards team.
There were two test purchases at Shanga in August and September and 92 packets of cigarettes and 10 pouches of tobacco were seized.
At Star Shop, three test purchases between September and November resulted in 62 packets of cigarettes and 80 pouches of tobacco being seized.
The cigarettes and tobacco at both shops were smuggled or counterfeit.
Under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, F&HDC obtained two closure orders and the cases were heard at Margate Magistrates’ Court on 12 December 2022.
The court was satisfied that criminal behaviour had taken place at both shops and that the closure orders – which came into immediate effect – were necessary to prevent the behaviour continuing or recurring.
Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This investigation was a great team effort and I am pleased the cases went to court with the end result of getting these illegal products off our streets.”
Leader Cllr David Monk added: “A three-month closure – especially over the busy Christmas period – should make these shops think twice about doing it again. It serves as a warning to others as well. The council is committed to ensuring our high streets are as safe and prosperous as possible.”
To find out more about anti-social behaviour, including how to report it, visit: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour