Off licence closure extended by another three months to 'protect the public'

A Droylsden off-licence that was closed to protect the public will remain shut.

Amsterdam Off Licence at 77 Market Street was closed last October following offences that included selling illegal vapes and tobacco.

Now Tameside Council has extended the closure order for a further three months after a successful application at Tameside Magistrates Court.

The Council took action to prevent a continuation of criminal activity at the shop.

The off licence flouted licensing, waste management and Trading Standards matters. It had been subject to two premises licence reviews.

In December 2022, Council officers found a car at the rear of the premises that was being used to store illicit tobacco and drugs and the business’s licence was suspended for three months with conditions attached.

New owners continued to sell illegal vapes and tobacco.

In September 2023, a car was again found parked at the rear of the shop containing a large quantity of illegal goods and the business’s licence was revoked.

The ownership changed hands again, but an application for a new licence was refused. However, the premises continued to sell alcohol, illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. On serving the initial Closure Notice in October more illicit tobacco, including 2,500 cigarettes and 30 pouches of tobacco, was seized.

Tameside Council executive member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods Cllr Laura Boyle said: “I’m pleased that our application to extend the Closure Order was successful so that we can prevent these offences, which include selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes, from returning.

“We are determined to do everything we can to protect our residents and prevent harm to the community.”

Tameside Council worked in partnership with Greater Manchester Police to obtain the Closure Order.