Barnoldswick shop ordered to close over illegal tobacco cache

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 11:32 · Archive

A Barnoldswick shop has been ordered to close for three months after a secret compartment containing hundreds of packets of illegal tobacco and cigarettes was discovered.

Sandy Lane Mini Market on Albert Road in Barnoldswick has been ordered to close for three months after officers discovered a secret compartment containing illegal tobacco and cigarettes. A closure order was granted at Burnley Magistrates' Court on 14 October following joint action by Lancashire Police and Trading Standards. Officers visited the shop on 29 September following multiple reports of illegal tobacco and cigarette sales.

The hidden compartment in a storeroom was activated by a fob concealed inside a sponge, which raised a shelf from the floor. The stash contained 479 packets of cigarettes, 143 packets of hand-rolling tobacco and two packets of Viagra. The discovery followed years of failed inspections and test purchases at the shop.

Under UK law, initial premises closure orders are capped at three months. The shop must remain closed until 14 January 2027. Anyone entering the store before that date without a reasonable excuse could commit a criminal offence and face a fine or imprisonment. Sergeant Carl McCoy from the Pendle Prosper Partnership Team said trading of this nature would not be tolerated and that police would continue to work with Trading Standards to take action against businesses selling illegal tobacco and cigarettes.

How it is being reported

• Shop which had hidden compartment containing illegal cigarettes ordered to closeA Barnoldswick shop has been ordered to close for three months after officers discovered a secret compartment containing hundreds of packets of illegal tobacco and cigarettesLancashire Telegraph · 17 Oct, 11:16
• Barnoldswick shop ordered to close after £100,000 illegal tobacco and cigarette stash foundA Closure Order was granted at Burnley Magistrates, meaning the shop must now close for the next three months as under UK law, initial premises closure orders are capped at three months.Burnley Express · 16 Oct, 13:31

In this story: Sandy Lane Mini Market · Barnoldswick · Lancashire Police · Trading Standards · Burnley Magistrates' Court

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