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Liverpool City Council has successfully taken measures against a local business after a dog’s extraordinary sense of smell uncovered thousands of illegal goods. The Domino Convenience Store, located on Smithdown Road, has been mandated by Liverpool Magistrates Court to remain shut until Tuesday, 14 July, in order to halt further unlawful operations.
Earlier this year, in January, Trading Standards officers from the Council conducted an inspection of the shop, accompanied by a specially trained tobacco detection dog. Although the officers noticed a strong bleach odor at the site, the dog signaled the presence of concealed items beneath a counter. When staff on-site refused to provide access to this hidden compartment, officials resorted to using an electric saw to open it, revealing 6,020 illicit cigarettes.
Further investigation uncovered an additional 30 pouches of counterfeit tobacco amounting to roughly 1.5 kilograms, 13 illegal vaping devices, and numerous Viagra tablets. These products were immediately confiscated, and the shop owner was issued a formal warning. Unfortunately, despite this warning, undercover investigators were still able to purchase counterfeit cigarettes from the store on two separate occasions, demonstrating a pattern of repeated illegal activity.
Due to the persistence of these offenses, authorities imposed a two-month closure order on the premises and required the payment of costs amounting to £2,980. The presence of unregulated cigarettes, tobacco, and vaping products is concerning because these may contain prohibited substances and present significant health risks to consumers. Regulations on the sale of vaping products are detailed in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. Members of the public suspecting illicit trade or underage sales are encouraged to report these concerns via Liverpool City Council’s website or through organizations like Crimestoppers and Trading Standards.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasized the Council’s commitment to eradicating illegal distribution networks. He stated, “This sends a clear message that the sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco will not be tolerated in our communities. Hidden concealments, counterfeit products and repeated offending pose a serious risk to public health and undermine legitimate businesses.” Doyle also highlighted that closure orders are essential in interrupting criminal conduct and pledged ongoing cooperation with the courts to enforce the law effectively
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