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10 Apr 2026
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10 Apr 2026
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Ilfracombe Mini Market in Ilfracombe High Street has been shut down for three months by Trading Standards and police after ignoring a warning for selling illegal tobacco. Credit: Trading Standards
A shop in Ilfracombe has been ordered to close for three months after continuing to sell illegal tobacco despite a previous official warning.
A three month closure order was imposed on Ilfracombe Mini Market by Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (April 7).
It’s the fifth shop closed by Heart of the South West Trading Standards and police over the last month, which included Devon Mini Market in Bideford for selling illegal tobacco and vape products.
Trading Standards officers visited Ilfracombe Mini Market the High Street with police in October last year after receiving reports illegal tobacco was being sold.
During the visit, tobacco detection dogs uncovered a sophisticated, fob‑operated hydraulic concealment in the basement, which was being used to store illegal products.
Illicit tobacco with an estimated value of around £2,000 was seized and the business was warned about its conduct.
Despite being caught once, intelligence suggested the illegal sales continued – in February officers carried out a covert test purchase of illegal tobacco at the shop.
Alex Fry, operations manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “This business had already been warned, yet illegal tobacco continued to be sold.
“Trading Standards officers working with the police will continue to take action where this kind of activity persists, to protect local communities and legitimate businesses.”
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