A Merthyr Tydfil town centre business premise has been handed a three‑month closure order after repeated sales of illicit tobacco and vaping products.
On the 11th June, Ronty Mini Market, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, was ordered to close by Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court under section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Closure Order was granted following an application from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team.
The Court were told that Trading Standards had carried out several enforcement operations at the premise relating to the possession and supply of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.
The activities at the business, located in in Merthyr Tydfil town centre, presented a nuisance and unfair competition to legitimate businesses.
Merthyr Tydfil CBC working alongside South Wales Police as part of the Merthyr Tydfil Together initiative have prioritised disruption initiatives such as closure orders to tackle criminal behaviour linked to serious organised crime.
Craig Rushton, Trading Standards Team Leader said:
“Businesses involved in the sales and distribution of illicit cigarettes show a blatant disregard for the law. It signifies a conscious, reckless decision to put the health and wellbeing of the people of Merthyr Tydfil at risk by exposing them to cheap unregulated products with no legal market. These products undermine legitimate traders, evade tax and put our residents at risk.”
Sarah King, Director of Governance and Resources and Strategic lead for Merthyr Tydfil Together, added:
“Illegal tobacco and vaping products pose real risks to public health. They are often unregulated and more accessible to children and young people. Robust enforcement action helps protect our communities from tobacco‑related harm.
We will continue to use the full range of powers available to us to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities. Closure orders send a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses selling illegal tobacco or vaping products in Merthyr Tydfil.”
