Monday, November 10, 2025
Lancashire Police have been successful in securing a Closure Order over a shop in Bamber Bridge after it was found to be repeatedly selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
Europe Mini Market on School Lane had six Trading Standards inspections between November 2023 and October 2025 during which thousands of illegal tobacco products were seized. The store also failed 3 test purchasing operations, having sold illicit tobacco and non-compliant vapes to officers, as well as a child.
Lancashire Police served the shop with a Closure Notice on 6th November 2025 and on 7th November applied to Preston magistrates’ court for a Closure Order which was granted, meaning the business must close for three months and is only allowed to reopen from 7th February 2026. Anybody found on the premises whilst the Closure Order is in place may be arrested and could face imprisonment and/or a fine.
Sgt Paul Harrison from South Ribble Task Force said: “Working closely with Lancashire Trading Standards and other partners, we have secured a Closure Order through the courts to put a stop to this activity. This should send a clear message that selling illicit tobacco and vapes will not be tolerated in South Ribble.
“We’re grateful to the public for sharing information that helped us to achieve this outcome. Your support is vital, and we encourage you to keep reporting concerns so we can continue tackling issues like this, which often lead to anti-social behaviour in surrounding 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.