Prosecution for Sale of Illegal Cigarettes and Alcohol - Find a freedom of information request

1. I would like to know the number of premises in Boston that have been the subject of a prosecution by Trading Standards for the sale of illegal cigarettes and/or alcohol.

1. Over the last year we have commenced 3 prosecutions as follows:

• Two shop premise – defendant numbers to be confirmed.
• One vehicle seizure – 1 defendant.

Over the last year we have finalised court results for 3 other prosecutions as follows:

• Two premises – 2 defendants prosecuted.
• One seizure from domestic property – 1 defendant.

In addition we have also completed the forfeiture of illicit cigarettes and tobacco seized from 2 premises.  We have also commenced a new way of working whereby the onus is placed on the landlords of premises to address the illicit sale of tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol from their premises.  This is a stepped approach, presenting landlords with incidents/evidence of sales or seizures of illicit tobacco/cigarettes/alcohol.  Failure to address the supply of illicit goods from the premise will result in legal action being taken against the landlord under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.  10 premises in the last year in Boston have been part of this approach.  To date 1 premise has had the tenants removed and the shop closed, 1 landlord has issued an eviction notice.  We continue to work with the landlords of the other 8 premises.