A Truro shop has been ordered to close for three months after it was found to be selling illegal tobacco.

A closure order was made in relation to Easy Shop in 8 Duke Street on Tuesday [December 2] at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court. Devon and Cornwall Police submitted the closure order application to the court after Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team supplied evidence of illegal tobacco sales.

Test purchases confirmed illegal products were being sold at the premises. A warrant was subsequently executed at the shop and illegal tobacco was seized.

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “When businesses fail to adhere to the law, we will not hesitate to act.

“I’m delighted we have been able to disrupt the illegal activity taking place at these premises, and would like to thank our Trading Standards officers and our colleagues at Devon and Cornwall Police for their work in securing this order from the court.”

PC Charotte Grimstead said: “This constant behaviour was causing real harm to the wellbeing of the community, so it was important we took action. Alongside the council, we will continue to work closely in the area with the tenant and local residents to deter future offences.

“This is a great example of partnership working. Thank you to everyone who came forward to report to us – your information was vital in the investigation.”

Smoking is responsible for almost 1,000 deaths in Cornwall annually. The sale of cheaper illegal tobacco reduces smokers’ motivation to quit, ultimately causing harm to health.

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, or the sale of vapes to under 18s, is urged to report it to Trading Standards.

Healthy Cornwall provides free advice to anyone wishing to stop smoking. Call 01872 324 200 or search Smoke Free Cornwall online.