An e-cigarette shop in Altrincham town centre has been closed down following intervention from local authorities.
Altrincham E-Cigs, which opened on Regent Road in 2020, was served with a closure order on March 20th by Manchester Magistrates' Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The closure notice, which will remain in effect until June 19th, was requested by Trafford Council following serious concerns about the shop's operations and its impact on the local community.
According to the court documents, the premises was found to be associated with "disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour" and had caused "serious nuisance to members of the public". The court was also satisfied that disorder had occurred near the premises in connection with the business.
The closure order prohibits access to the shop by all persons except officers from Trafford Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service. Anyone who enters the premises without reasonable excuse during the closure period could face imprisonment for up to 51 weeks, a fine, or both.
Local MP Connor Rand welcomed the action, stating: "Several residents had made me aware of serious issues with Altrincham E-Cigs, so I'm grateful that Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council have worked in partnership to take swift action to close it down.
"This business was operating illegally and irresponsibly in selling to minors and has no place in our local community."
The three-month closure will give authorities time to address the issues associated with the premises and determine appropriate next steps for the location.
