Friday, July 25, 2025
Chorley Police have successfully issued a closure order at two shops in the town after they were found to be repeatedly selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
The International Store and Market Street Store, both on Market Street, were both found to be selling illegal cigarettes and vapes, often hiding products in secret compartments in back areas.
The International Store had 7 Trading Standards inspections during which, over 2000 illegal tobacco products were seized. Market Street Store has been subject to 15 inspections or test purchase operations and has been found to have sold illegal tobacco and vapes, often to children. 4,500 illegal vapes and cigarettes were also seized from this store.
Officers applied for a closure which was granted, meaning the businesses must close for two months and are only allowed to reopen from 23:59 on the 24th of September.
Sgt Anna-Marie Canavan from Chorley Police, said: “We have worked hard with our partners at Chorley Council and Lancashire Trading Standards to secure this Closure Order through the courts and hope this sends a strong message that this kind of activity will not be tolerated in our town.
“I want to thank the public for their support in providing us with information which has helped us to secure this result. We appreciate the support and would ask that you continue to tell us about issues so that we can work to tackle this activity which can often lead to anti-social behaviour in neighbouring areas.”
Op Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.