Seaham off licence caught with thousands of illegal cigarettes issued closure order
“Illegal tobacco is far from a victimless crime”
An off licence in Seaham has been ordered to close for three months after being caught with thousands of illegal cigarettes.
Durham County Council received a tip off from members of the public that The Avenue Off Licence, in Deneside, Seaham, was selling illegal tobacco products in July (2026).
After carrying out a series of test purchase operations, the local authority’s Trading Standards team inspected the premises with support from Durham Constabulary.
The officers discovered 215 packets of cigarettes containing 4,360 illicit individual cigarettes, and 44 pouches of hand rolling tobacco weighing 2.2 kilograms, in an outbuilding at the back of the shop.
A warrant was also executed on a vehicle suspected to be connected to the off licence. A further 242 packets containing a total of 4,840 cigarettes and 64 pouches of hand rolling tobacco weighing 3.2 kilograms were found, along with a set of keys for the shop.
Durham County Council applied for a Closure Order for the shop under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. The order was granted by magistrates at an uncontested hearing in Newton Aycliffe, meaning The Avenue must now remain closed until Wednesday 2 December.
Costs of £1,384 were awarded against the business owner, who did not attend court.
Following the hearing, Owen Cleugh, the council’s safer places manager, said: “Illegal tobacco is far from a victimless crime. It can put young people at risk by increasing access to tobacco products, while generating profits for organised crime groups operating across the region and beyond.
“At the same time, it reduces tax income that funds essential public services and undermines law-abiding local businesses.
“This closure order reflects the seriousness with which these offences are treated. We hope it acts as a deterrent to others involved in this type of criminal activity and reinforces our commitment to taking robust action against those breaking the law.
“We would like to thank local people for their support in reporting this matter.”
Anyone who suspects illegal tobacco or other illicit goods are being sold are urged to report it to the Keep It Out hotline on 0300 999 0000.