A Nottingham shop has been handed a three‑month closure order after repeated sales of illicit tobacco and vaping products.
Grab & Go, in Sneinton Road, was ordered to close by Nottingham Magistrates’ Court under section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The court heard evidence from Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council’s Trading Standards team, which showcased ongoing illegal activity at the premises, despite previous enforcement action.
A joint investigation was launched in January 2025 after intelligence was received that the convenience store – located on the outskirts of the city centre – was involved in the sale and distribution of illegal vapes and illegal tobacco related products.
Officers attended and a significant quantity of non-compliant vapes, illegal cigarettes and non-duty paid tobacco was located within the premises and seized.
This resulted in a 35-year-old man receiving a police caution for selling 87 packets of illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
In the months that followed, an undercover Trading Standards officer twice attended the premises and on both occasions was sold a packet of illegal cigarettes for £5 and £6 – far below the price of a legitimate purchase.
This prompted an enforcement visit on 9 April this year, where a significant amount of illegal tobacco products were discovered and seized.
Nottinghamshire Police applied for a three-month closure order and it was granted by magistrates on 15 May.
The closure order follows the launch of Op Reclaim, a partnership approach to relentlessly targeting criminals who use the city centre to commit crime.
Nottinghamshire Police are using the Home Office tactic called Clear, Hold, Build, where we make the environment as hostile as possible for criminals to operate and ensure the vacuum cannot be filled once they are arrested and charged.
Meanwhile, another convenience store has also been served with a three-month closure order.
All In One, in Nuthall Road, Basford, was caught selling illegal tobacco products and illegal vapes on a number of occasions between September 2025 and April 2026.
Four weeks after the convenience store was first caught stocking illegal items, officers returned to find packs of illegal cigarettes hidden in a wheelie bin outside the premises.
This prompted Trading Standards officers to conduct a test purchase operation in plain clothes, which the premises failed by selling illegal packs of cigarettes for £5 and £8.
The shop was issued with a three-month closure order on 15 May.
PC Dylan Scally, who oversaw the closure order applications, said:
“Premises that conduct themselves in the sales and distribution of illicit cigarettes show a blatant disregard for the law and local authority.
“It signifies a conscious, reckless decision to put the health and wellbeing of the people of Nottingham at risk by exposing them to cheap unregulated products with no legal market.
“These products undermine legitimate traders, evade tax and put our residents at risk.
“In this instance, both businesses had every opportunity to cease their criminality but failed to do so. I’m therefore pleased the unlawful activity of these businesses has been put to a halt by the courts.”
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies, of Nottinghamshire Police, added:
“Illegal tobacco and vaping products pose real risks to public health. They are often unregulated and more accessible to children and young people. Enforcement action like this helps protect our communities and reduce tobacco‑related harm.
“We will continue to use the full range of powers available to us to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities.”
Councillor Matt Shannon, Executive Member for Community Protection, Neighbourhoods and Equalities at Nottingham City Council, added:
“These closure orders send a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses selling illegal tobacco or vaping products in Nottingham.
“Our Trading Standards team works incredibly hard alongside Nottinghamshire Police to investigate illegal activity, protect Nottingham residents and support legitimate businesses that operate responsibly.
“Illegal tobacco and vapes undermine honest traders, dodge tax, and pose serious health risks, particularly for young people. These closures demonstrate the robust approach we are taking to tackle criminality and keep our communities safe.”
