Liverpool has seen a landmark legal ruling as a local shop faces a six-month closure following the discovery of sophisticated hidden compartments used to store illicit tobacco. Liverpool Magistrates’ Court extended the order on American Candy, located on County Road, marking the first time such a lengthy extension has been granted in the city.
The premises was originally shuttered in February 2026 after investigators found the business was repeatedly involved in the sale of illicit tobacco and cigarettes. During an initial inspection by the Liverpool City Council public protection team, officers discovered a large, hidden concealment built directly into the shop’s walls.
Record closure for County Road candy store
During the court proceedings, the owner of American Candy admitted to paying professional builders to construct the secret wall compartments. He claimed to the court that the business could not remain financially viable by selling sweets alone. However, the judge ruled that the deliberate and sophisticated attempt to avoid detection necessitated a severe penalty.
The store must now remain closed for an additional three months, bringing the total closure period to half a year. In addition to the extended closure, the owner has been ordered to pay £1,529 in costs to the council. This enforcement action highlights a growing zero-tolerance approach to high-street businesses acting as fronts for illegal trade.
The scale of these operations reflects a wider national trend of local authorities using closure orders to disrupt criminal activity. This mirrors recent enforcement in the West Midlands, where Dudley shuts 42 shops as part of a coordinated effort to reclaim high streets from organized crime and unregulated products.
Enforcement actions on Prescot Road and Dovecot
The crackdown extended beyond County Road this week, with two further premises ordered to shut their doors. On Thursday, April 30, Sefton Magistrates’ Court issued a closure order for Aden News on Prescot Road. Similar to the American Candy case, investigators found illicit cigarettes stored within a concealed cupboard on the property. The shop is required to remain closed for three months.
A third business, Pilch Lane News in Dovecot, was forced to close following a successful court application on Tuesday, May 6. This case involved a broader range of illegal items, including seized vapes, counterfeit cigarettes, and Viagra products. Furthermore, a test purchase conducted at the site confirmed that vapes were being sold to minors. Pilch Lane News will remain closed until the beginning of August.
Public health risks and reporting illicit trade
Unregulated tobacco and vape products are a significant concern for public health officials because they often contain banned ingredients or higher concentrations of nicotine than permitted by UK law. These products do not undergo the rigorous safety checks required for legal sale, posing unknown risks to consumers.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasized that the city is taking a firm stance against the distribution of illicit products. He noted that hidden concealments and repeated offending undermine legitimate local businesses that follow the law.
Residents who suspect a local business is involved in the sale of counterfeit or illicit goods are encouraged to report their concerns via the Liverpool City Council website or anonymously through Crimestoppers. The council has confirmed that closure orders remain a primary tool for disrupting criminal activity and protecting the community from harmful, unregulated substances.
Source: Liverpool City Council
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