Another shop in Rhondda has been forced to close after it was caught trading illegally. My Pandy on Dunraven Street in Tonypandy was caught selling cigarettes on the cheap, suspected of being counterfeit versions of well-known brands, and was also thought to be selling tobacco products to children.
Lengthy investigation leads to closure
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said the latest closure comes after a "lengthy investigation" into ongoing illegal activity at the shop. It added that its owners had failed to act upon advice, warnings and enforcement visits.
Trading standards officers found evidence that tobacco products were being deliberately concealed within the property to evade detection. Officers also carried out seven successful test purchases, with cigarettes repeatedly being sold at considerably lower prices and below the minimum Tobacco Duty rate.
Seizure of illegal products
A joint investigation led by the trading standards team and supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and South Wales Police on September 4 resulted in a large seizure of illegal tobacco products and non-compliant vaping products. The seizure included 363 packs of cigarettes, two pouches of hand-rolling tobacco and 21 high-capacity disposable vapes. The products either breached tobacco and vaping regulations or were suspected of being counterfeit.
The estimated street value of the items seized was more than £5,600. The cigarettes which were suspected to be counterfeit looked like well-known brands including Benson & Hedges, Marlboro and Lambert and Butler.
No licensing scheme in Wales
Following the closure notice, the council responded to public calls for businesses involved in illegal tobacco sales to lose their licence. It said that as there is currently no licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco products in Wales, closure orders remain "one of the strongest powers available to local authorities in tackling persistent illegal trading".
Councillor Bob Harris, cabinet member for communities, said: "This closure sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and vape sales will not be tolerated in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
"Our Trading Standards team carried out a lengthy investigation into this business following complaints, intelligence reports and repeated evidence of illegal trading. Despite receiving advice and warnings, the business continued to break the law.
"We know residents get frustrated when they see businesses linked to illegal tobacco sales continue to operate, and we share that frustration. Many people ask why we don't simply remove a licence, but the reality is that there is currently no licence required to sell tobacco products in Wales.
"That means cases like this often require significant evidence gathering, repeated test purchases and partnership working before action can be taken through the courts.
"However, this case, along with the four closures secured last week, shows that we will continue to use every power available to us. No matter how long an investigation takes, we will pursue the evidence needed to secure Closure Orders to disrupt the business and take action against those involved in illegal trading.
"Those involved in illegal trading should not assume they can avoid enforcement action by moving locations or attempting to continue trading elsewhere. Our officers will continue gathering intelligence, working with partners and taking robust action wherever the evidence leads.
"Illegal tobacco undermines honest local businesses, is often linked to wider criminal activity and can make it easier for young people to access harmful products. That is why we remain committed to tackling this issue and protecting our communities."
My Pandy has now been boarded up with the support of the Council's Corporate Estates Team and trade has successfully been disrupted. Harris added: "I would like to thank our Trading Standards officers and partner agencies for their continued hard work. Their persistence and dedication mean that where businesses refuse to comply with the law, action will be taken."
