Bolton stores have licences revoked following test purchasing

JTI conducted test purchasing in Bolton last summer and found 61% of the stores visited were selling illegal tobacco. These findings were reported to trading standards, which incorporated the evidence in its applications to review the stores’ licences.

The licensing sub-committee decided to revoke three of the stores’ licences and suspend five others. These latest actions are part of ongoing enforcement work taken in the area, which included the revocation of licences for two Bolton retailers in August last year.

Ian Howell, JTI’s fiscal and regulatory affairs manager, said: “We’re pleased with the outcome of these reviews and would like to thank Bolton’s licencing sub-committee for continuing to take steps to tackle the illicit trade in the area and protect honest businesses. Despite what some believe, selling illegal tobacco isn’t a victimless crime – it damages legitimate business, supports criminal organisations, and makes it easier for young people to get hold of tobacco products.”