Shop sold booze and vapes despite ban

A problem off-licence in Droylsden has been shut down by the courts after repeatedly selling illegal vapes and tobacco.

Amsterdam off-licence was hit with a closure order by the courts last week following a successful enforcement application by Tameside Council. Stockport Magistrates Court issued the Market Street venue with a closure order for three months to ‘prevent future disorder or serious nuisance’.

The premises had been found to be consistently non-compliant in relation to various licensing, waste management, and Trading Standards matters. 

It had been subject to two premises licence reviews. The most recent hearing in July saw the shop refused permission to sell booze after the new owner had sold alcohol on the premises without a licence.

The site’s history of dealings in illicit items and non-compliance with the licensing teams at the council were also cited as reasons for refusal. The premises continued to sell alcohol, illicit tobacco and illegal vapes, according to the council.

Upon serving a closure notice on October 17, council officers seized more illicit tobacco, including 2,500 cigarettes and 30 pouches of tobacco, according to the local authority. Town hall officials claim investigations are continuing with regards to other matters concerning the premises.

Under its previous name of Save More Off Licence, Greater Manchester Police and the licensing team said they conducted numerous raids which found illicit tobacco and illegal vapes over the last two years – which culminated in the premises licence being revoked in December 2023.

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “These premises have persistently broken laws and continued to sell alcohol despite no longer having a licence, as well as selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. 

“We won’t hesitate to take action against traders who are operating illegally or breaching licensing conditions, in order to protect our residents and prevent harm to the community. 

“This case again shows the importance of the council’s Our Streets campaign in tackling concerns and helping improve our communities.”

Tameside’s Police Licensing Officer Craig Foley worked in partnership with Tameside Council’s Licensing Team to obtain the closure order.

He said: “The partnership approach, along with our communities’ input through reporting and understanding, hopefully highlights we are all committed to continue tackling this kind of disruptive behaviour that has a criminal element to it.”

‘Our Streets’ sees regular Days of Action carried out across Tameside to clean up litter and dumped waste and gather evidence against flytippers to help make Tameside, cleaner, greener and safer. For more information visit www.tameside.gov.uk/ourstreets.