Macclesfield Mini Mart on Mill Street has been ordered to close for three months after underage vape sales and illicit tobacco sales were uncovered at the premises. The Cheshire East Council confirmed the closure order was granted alongside similar actions against seven other shops across the county.
The closure was secured through a joint operation by Cheshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Exploitation Team, the Macclesfield South Beat Team, and the council’s trading standards officers. Large quantities of illicit cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and illegal vape products were seized during enforcement visits between 29 June and 3 July 2026. Councillor Dawn Clark, cabinet member for finance, legal and enforcement, said the raids show the council is committed to tackling the problem. “These raids and closure orders send out a clear message that we are an enforcing council and we will continue to tackle head on the scourge of illicit tobacco and vapes — as well as underage tobacco sales — working effectively with our partners.”
The shop was also linked to anti-social behaviour in the area, which contributed to the court’s decision. Across the wider crackdown, four shops in Crewe and Nantwich were closed — Top Gee, Bob Shop, Liam Grocery Store, and Friendly Mart — along with three in Warrington: Mr Blue, Stop and Shop, and Mini Shop. Chief Superintendent Saf Ali of Cheshire Police said the action should deter other retailers. “This is a great example of the action we will take on retailers who repeatedly offend, and I hope this sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and vape products have no place in Cheshire’s shops.”
The enforcement forms part of a broader effort to disrupt links between illicit tobacco sales and organised crime. Authorities have urged anyone with information about illegal sales to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. The closure order on Macclesfield Mini Mart will remain in place for three months from the court’s ruling.
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