A Solihull convenience store has been ordered to close for three months after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes, despite previous enforcement action.

On August 26, Birmingham Magistrates' Court granted Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) a closure order against Boss Mart 2 on Warwick Road, Olton.

The business and its owner, Mr Mir Afzal, were also ordered to pay £1,400 in costs.

The order follows a lengthy investigation by the council's Regulatory Services Team into illegal activity at the shop dating back to September 2025.

It comes after a previous closure order was issued against the premises in 2024.

During their investigation, officers seized illegal tobacco, illicit vapes and unsafe toys.

Test purchase operations also found the shop had sold a vape to a child and illegal tobacco to undercover Trading Standards officers.

The closure order, granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, prevents anyone from entering or remaining at the premises until November 26, 2026, except for those specifically named on the order, including the landlord, the landlord's contractors and emergency services.

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Anyone who breaches the order commits a criminal offence and could face arrest, a fine or imprisonment if convicted.

Cllr Wazma Qais, SMBC 's cabinet member for communities, said the case highlighted both the determination of enforcement officers and the challenges councils face in tackling repeat offenders.

"Despite repeated enforcement action, some businesses continue to break the law, and local authorities do not always have the powers residents might expect to permanently prevent repeat offending," she said.

"That makes closure orders an important tool in helping us protect the public."

Cllr Qais warned that "the sale of illegal tobacco, illicit vapes and other unsafe products puts people at risk, harms legitimate businesses and can expose children to serious danger".

She thanked the council's Regulatory Services Team for their work and said the authority would "continue to use every legal power available to tackle this activity and keep our communities safe".

Residents concerned about businesses selling illegal or dangerous products can report them through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service or West Midlands Police.