Up in smoke: Willesden business hit with £6,800 fine over illegal tobacco

A Willesden business has been fined £6,809 after over 1,000 packets of illegal tobacco were seized by the council's Trading Standards team.

Marys London Ltd, trading as the Food Shop, based at 268 Willesden High Road, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to two charges of incorrect health warnings and products for sale, which were not in the standardised packaging. The case followed a complaint which led to Trading Standards officers then carrying out an investigation to verify the allegations.

Despite the company's claim that there were some health warnings on their products, the judge was clear that compliance measures had not been met and that the company had been doing this type of business for some time. The court imposed a fine of £3,333 on Marys London Ltd.

The business was also ordered to pay Brent Council's investigation and legal costs of £2,143.50, along with a victim surcharge of £1,333.

Jehan Weerasinghe, Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, said: “Businesses that ignore tobacco regulations put public health at risk and gain an unfair advantage over those who follow the law. We will continue to take firm action against anyone selling illegal products in Brent.”

Brent Council will continue to carry out test purchases and inspections to ensure businesses are complying with sales legislation.

People can make a real difference to help keep more illegal tobacco off the streets by reporting businesses that supply it to the Citizens Advice Helpline on 0808 223 1133.