Closure Order secured for City Mini Market in Bangor

A court-ordered Closure Order has been issued for the City Mini Market shop on the High Street in Bangor, following the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes.

After several months of investigation by Cyngor Gwynedd Trading Standards officers and support from North Wales Police, Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court granted the order on 2 March. The ruling means that the shop, now named ‘Top Shop’ will remain closed for three months.

This follows a Closure Notice issued on 17 February by Gwynedd Trading Standards under Section 76 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 on the premises and the landlord of City Mini Market, 280 High Street, Bangor. This action, supported by North Wales Police was taken due to the illegal supply of vapes and tobacco products as well as counterfeit and potentially unsafe toys. 

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“When people visit a shop, they have a right to expect that what they purchase is safe and genuine. I am grateful to Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards team for their thorough work with this case and ensuring the safety of Gwynedd residents.

“Whilst our officers always aim to engage positively with businesses to help them understand their responsibilities, there comes a point when we have no choice but to take legal action.

“This closure order sends a clear message about our commitment to tackling the supply of illegal products in our communities.

“We urge the public to be incredibly mindful over what they buy and not to support this illicit trade which poses real risks to all of us.”

The shop at 280 High Street in Bangor has been involved in selling illegal cigarettes, tobacco vapes while under the control of more than one business owner – with frequent changes in ownership, a known tactic used to avoid enforcement action.

During the investigative period, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards officers carried out a significant seizure of illicit vapes and counterfeit toys. The Council worked closely with partner agencies including National Trading Standards and HMRC, with several successful test purchases confirmed the supply of illicit tobacco and cigarettes.

Following this coordinated effort, the business, now under the name ‘Top Shop’ will be closed for three months (until midnight on 2 June), and Trading Standards officers along with partners will continue to monitor the premises and any other business that break the law.

Illegal vapes can be seriously harmful. They often contain nicotine strengths above legal limits, and may also contain illegal, potentially harmful chemicals.

Gwynedd’s dedicated Trading Standards team uses a range of investigative methods, including tobacco detection dogs, to uncover concealed products - a clear indication that operators are fully aware of their illegal activities. Close partnership working within and beyond the Council remains essential in tackling this growing issue.

Members of the public in Gwynedd who have any information about people who they believe may be engaged in illegal trading activities or anyone who they believe may be a victim of such activity, are urged to contact Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards team www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/tradingstandards