A shop in Sidcup has been ordered to close for three months after being caught selling illicit cigarettes and tobacco.
Bromley Magistrates’ Court granted a closure order on Thursday 29 January against Sidcup Mini Market, at 9 St John’s Parade, following an investigation by the London Borough of Bexley’s Trading Standards Team, supported by Police Safer Neighbourhood officers.
The order, issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will keep the premises shut until 11.59pm on 28 April 2026.
Trading Standards officers carried out a series of test purchases between October 2025 and January 2026, alongside a major enforcement visit on 27 January. In total, officers seized 768 packets of cigarettes and 5.1kg of hand-rolling tobacco.
Councillor Richard Diment said the action sent a clear message.
“Securing this closure order demonstrates our continued commitment to keeping our communities safe and makes it clear the sale of illicit tobacco and cigarettes will not be tolerated in our borough,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners, including the Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams, to protect residents and support a fair trading environment.”
Bexley Council said the case highlights ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal sale of age-restricted and counterfeit goods across the borough.
