East Suffolk Council has successfully obtained a Closure Order for premises in Lowestoft following a hearing held at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday 17 September.
A Closure Order was obtained for Euro Mini Market at 175 London Road North in Lowestoft, following an application from East Suffolk Council after extensive work with partners including Suffolk Trading Standards, Suffolk Police and Public Health Suffolk to address ongoing concerns relating to activities associated with the premises.
Following inspections by Suffolk Trading Standards which had been carried out since November 2023, East Suffolk Council coordinated an investigation with partner agencies to gather intelligence and evidence, carry out inspections, test purchase operations and property enquiries.
An application for a Closure Order to Norwich Magistrates' Court was then prepared, with evidence presented from Suffolk Trading Standards, Suffolk Police, Public Health and East Suffolk Council officers showing repeated agency involvement and concerns regarding the impact of activities linked to the premises on the local community.
The Closure Order prevents access to the premises and is intended to stop the activities that have caused nuisance and harm to the local community.
Cllr Jan Candy, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Community Health said:
"This Closure Order demonstrates the strength of partnership working between East Suffolk Council, Suffolk Police, Suffolk Trading Standards and Public Health colleagues.
“The concerns associated with this premises had persisted over a considerable period and required significant intervention from multiple agencies. We welcome the court's decision, which will help protect residents, support neighbouring businesses and improve the quality of life within the community.
“We would like to thank local businesses and members of the public who shared information and supported our investigations, including MP Jess Asato for supporting our team by providing a witness statement."
Rachel Tucker, Senior Anti-Social Behaviour Officer at East Suffolk Council, said:
"The granting of this Closure Order should serve as a warning to anyone involved in similar activities. East Suffolk Council and its partners will continue to act on information received and pursue enforcement action where there is evidence of harm to our communities.
“We are committed to identifying and disrupting unlawful activity and will not hesitate to take robust action where it is justified. Those who choose to engage in activities that undermine legitimate businesses, place people at risk, or negatively impact our communities should be aware that we will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate concerns and take action wherever the evidence supports it."
Cllr June Mummery, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for coastal affairs, communities and public health, said:
“Selling vapes and illicit tobacco to children is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Suffolk.
“I welcome the Government’s recent commitment to longer closure orders, although I would like to see even tougher action. I think shops that break the law should be closed, period.
“I want to thank Suffolk Trading Standards for their work on this case and East Suffolk Council for securing the closure order.”
In July 2026, representatives from Suffolk Police, Suffolk Trading Standards and East Suffolk Council met to consider further enforcement action, including the pursuit of a Closure Order. Local businesses in the surrounding area were also engaged as part of the investigation, providing information regarding the effect the premises was having on the local community and neighbouring businesses.
A test purchase operation carried out by Suffolk Trading Standards on 28 July 2026 formed part of the evidence presented to the court.
The court also considered information outlining the wider harm associated with illegal tobacco and vaping products, including risks to children and young people, impacts on public health, and the detrimental effect such activities can have on legitimate businesses and local communities.
Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to report concerns to Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133 or by emailing communitysafety@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.