Mini-market ordered to close after multiple law-breaking

Bury Council have used new powers to close Express Mini Market in the town centre after numerous breaches of the law,

This is the first closure of its type in Bury, following a lengthy investigation by licensing and trading standards officers.

The premises had been the subject of numerous complaints and enforcement activity relating to flagrant breaches of consumer protection and product safety legislation, including the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vaping products, counterfeit products and unsafe goods.

The two-month closure order was secured at Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday (10 Feb).

The action follows several multi-agency operations led by council officers and Greater Manchester Police, reflecting the seriousness of the offences and the ongoing risk posed to the public.

The council has visited the premises 12 times since December 2022, seizing illicit goods on each occasion, and conducting six separate test‑purchase operations, as well as having meetings with the previous landlord and the tenant.

In total, officers removed more than 6,300 illegal cigarettes, 1.7kg of hand‑rolling tobacco, 3,010 non‑compliant vapes, and other counterfeit and unsafe products which breached trademark and safety legislation. The premises has also been subject to a licence review, with the combined street value of seized goods estimated at £40,000.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “Bury Council will not stand for unlawful and illegal practices that put our residents at risk. The sale of unsafe and illicit tobacco and vaping products is a real public health issue and directly harms our communities. This action sends a clear message: if you operate illegally in Bury, we will take robust enforcement action against you.

“This work also supports and protects genuine local businesses that follow the rules and contribute positively to the local economy. Illegal trading damages fair competition and will not be tolerated.”

Cllr Morris added: “This enforcement action should serve as a warning to other businesses engaged in similar illegal activity. We will continue to work closely with Greater Manchester Police and partner agencies to identify, disrupt, and stop unlawful practices wherever they occur.”

Chief Inspector Michael Barton, from GMP’s Bury district, said: “We work very closely with teams from Bury Council to monitor any illegal business practices within our community, taking decisive and robust action to stop illegal and unlawful actions.

“Some businesses unfortunately think nothing of selling dangerous and illicit products to customers and our continued collaborative partnership efforts will continue to tackle this form of criminality.

“We would always encourage anyone with any issues to get in touch with us – either through your local policing team, trading standards, or by contacting Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 12 February 2026.

Picture: Outside the closed Express Mini Market are (from left) Ella Starbuck, Neighbourhood Sergeant; Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council; Ben Thomson, assistant director (public protection & resilience); Cllr Charlotte Morris; and Pete Eccleston, Bury Divisional Licensing Officer.