A WARNING has gone out to all businesses after a shop in Leamington was forced to shut down after concerns around the sale of “illicit” vapes and tobacco and child exploitation.
A full closure order was served on Mars Mini Market, on Clemens Street, after the application was granted at Coventry Magistrates’ Court.
Warwick District Council’s Community Safety Team applied for the order following “serious concerns” from the community around anti-social behaviour and exploitation of children and young people.
A Warwick District Council spokesperson said: “Working in close partnership with Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Trading Standards, we took decisive action to prevent further harm from taking place,” they added.
“The community safety team would like to express our sincere thanks to the community for providing vital intelligence that supported us throughout this process,” it added.
“Your information made a significant difference and directly contributed to the success of this case.”“We strongly encourage everyone to continue reporting this type of behaviour, so we can respond swiftly and take firm action against any other businesses operating in a similar way.”
The owner of a nearby business, who did not want to be named, told The Observer they had long had concerns about activity at the shop.
