ANOTHER Dearne Valley shop has been closed for selling illegal tobacco - meaning stores in Thurnscoe, Goldthorpe and now Bolton on Dearne have all been hit.

Barnsley Council has been working to get closure orders imposed on shops caught selling illegal tobacco, with recent successes across all three major Dearne communities in the borough.

The latest has seen B U Dearne Mini Market, at St Andrew’s Square in Bolton on Dearne closed for three months, with the order imposed at Barnsley Magistrates Court.

The hearing also saw leaseholder Boton Ismaeel Mahmood, ordered to pay £2,704 in costs.

The shop failed test purchases in February and March, with cigarettes being sold that did not meet legal requirements, including no mandatory health warnings. On both occasions, the cigarettes were sold for as little as £5.

During a further visit in March, officers discovered 2,920 illegal cigarettes and 45 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco on the premises, in breach of tobacco regulations.

Under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities can apply to the courts for closure orders where premises are associated with criminal activity and are causing a public nuisance. Closure orders are intended to prevent illegal activity from continuing or recurring.

Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities, said: “We’re committed to tackling the sale of illegal tobacco in Barnsley and taking decisive action to keep local people safe.

Stubbed out: Illegal tobacco sales have been stopped

placeholder image — Stubbed out: Illegal tobacco sales have been stopped

“While all tobacco carries serious health risks, illegal and unregulated products can contain higher levels of harmful substances and are often sold cheaply and without health warnings, making them more accessible and appealing.

“This outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal trading in Barnsley, and we will take action against businesses that fail to comply with the law.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit products in Barnsley, including illegal tobacco or vapes, is encouraged to contact the council’s Trading Standards team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01226 773743.

Trading Standards officers are also available to support businesses in understanding and meeting their legal responsibilities. Business owners with questions about regulations can contact the team using the same details.