COUNCIL chiefs say they will look to close down shops that persist in selling illegal products.
It comes after stores in Lichfield and Burntwood were raided as part of a joint operation by environmental health, Trading Standards, police and immigration officials.
More than £65,000 worth of cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, food and drink.
Having previously been caught selling illegal products, the shops – which have not been named – have now been told that if they are caught again a closure notice will be issued before environmental health officers apply to magistrates for a closure order for up to three months.
Cllr Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for environmental health, said:
“These shops have been selling harmful products, including children’s sweets banned in the UK due to being linked to causing cancer, counterfeit cigarettes that could contain any number of toxic ingredients, vapes with excessive amounts of nicotine, and foods that have no allergen labels which could result in a severe reaction and even death.
“We’ll continue to work with our partners and send a clear message that we don’t want these businesses in Lichfield district.
“We will take action to close them and to push customers to our many brilliant local retailers who operate within the law, and without exposing people to harm.”
