A notice was served on Ranya Mini Market in Humber Road yesterday (Thursday), Coventry magistrates granted a two-month closure order.

Working with Coventry Police, the Council's Trading Standards Service applied for the court order to prevent people engaging in criminal activity and people being exposed to harmful products.

Cllr John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, said: “We are working hard to crack down on illegal traders, and as Cabinet Member for community safety I am absolutely determined to get illegal vape and tobacco sellers closed down.

“I’m really pleased to see that we have successfully closed another venue. It’s another important example of partnership working, sends a positive message to other legitimate businesses, and is also a warning to other retailers who think that they can get away with these criminal activities.

“We must increase our efforts to ensure more of these venues are closed down and I hope that the public will continue to support our aims by reporting any illegal activity wherever and whenever they become aware of it.”

Coventry North-East Inspector Manwar Porter said: "The focus of our activity is always to reduce crime and disorder and make Coventry feel a safer place.
"We were made aware of repeated sales of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes at this shop.  Sales of illicit tobacco and vapes harm legitimate traders and can cause public health implications to the local community."

"Working with partners at Trading Standards, our teams have taken action to close this business premises, our primary goal to protect our city and deter criminality like this which puts an illegal business ahead of the safety of our wider community."

The Council and Coventry Police are committed to keeping our communities safe and we will keep pursuing action against businesses linked to criminality.
If you have concerns about suspicious activity at a premises or building, let us know by calling 101.

To pass on information without leaving your details, you can speak anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.