On the 8th July 2025, following an application by Halton Trading Standards at Warrington Magistrates Court, a Runcorn shop has been issued a Closure Order for the sale of illegal tobacco and illegal vapes.
Officers from Halton Trading Standards Service visited Danny’s Mini Market at 36A Langdale Road, Runcorn, multiple times over a six-month period. Both illegal tobacco and illegal vapes were seized from hidden concealments from within the shop. The shop has twice been visited by officers with a sniffer dog, and on both occasions in January and June 2025, hidden concealments were found.
The shops landlord and the numerous tenants, managers and staff were warned, that the premises was becoming a nuisance and was facilitating criminal activity. Despite these warnings the activity persisted.
At the end of June 2025, Halton Trading Standards issued a Closure Notice against the premises and applied to the courts for a Closure Order. A Closure Order under The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was subsequently granted.
The Closure Order means the shop will remain closed until 30th September 2025, with an option to apply for an extension for a further three months.
Councillor Andrea Wall, Executive Board Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: “The Council has a duty to protect the health of our residents in Halton and promote the interests of legitimate business. I am pleased that the Courts have supported the actions of Trading Standards and in doing so agreed to impose the Closure Order, to prevent the business from continuing to trade.”
A spokesperson for Halton Trading Standards went on to say: “The use of Closure Orders is a tool that we will use in addition to our criminal enforcement powers. It allows us to take robust action to disrupt illegal activity and send a clear message that we will take a tough stance to protect the residents in Halton and support our legitimate traders.
Halton Trading Standards will continue to pro-actively target traders and act upon intelligence received, with a clear warning that sellers will face criminal enforcement action.
If you have any information specifically relating to the sale of illicit cigarettes or alcohol, then you can ring the Halton Trading Standards Hotline for Alcohol and Tobacco on 0151 511 8787. This is a reporting voicemail facility only and any information provided can be left anonymously, however, please provide enough information to identify those involved and if you want feedback, your contact details too. Remember all other Trading Standards matters can be reported in the usual manner via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.