G&G Market, located on High Street in Cradley Heath, has had its licence permanently revoked by Sandwell Council following repeated offences related to the sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products. The decision was made on Thursday, 30 July, after investigations revealed the shop continued to trade illicit goods merely weeks after opening in November last year.
West Midlands Police reported that despite numerous seizures of illegal cigarettes, tobacco products, and prescription-only medicines, the shop remained undeterred, continuing to sell prohibited items, including to an undercover child. Prior warnings had been issued, yet the proprietor persisted in these illegal activities.
Earlier in July, the shop was subjected to a three-month closure order by Dudley magistrates. Revoking the licence now means that any new prospective owner would need to apply for a fresh licence before reopening.
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Speaking at the hearing, a licensing officer from West Midlands Police remarked, “If they are prepared to sell cigarettes to a child, what else are they prepared to sell?” The force emphasised that the business showed “no intention” to comply with the law despite multiple opportunities to do so.
“This is a business that is completely undeterred,” a police representative added. The licence holder, Hozan Sharify, did not attend the hearing.
The police further condemned the shop’s activities as a “blatant disregard” for regulations, highlighting the links between illicit tobacco sales and organised crime, including people trafficking, immigration crimes, exploitation, duty evasion, and money laundering. They also raised concerns about public health and safety, especially regarding the risk posed to children due to the unknown contents of these products.
A report from Sandwell’s trading standards ahead of the meeting outlined that illegal tobacco sales from the premises date back to at least December 2025, prior to receiving its licence in November. It stated: “Multiple offences regarding the possession and supply of illegal cigarettes have been identified, including supplying to a person under the age of eighteen. The concealment of illegal cigarettes, absence of legal products, and proprietors’ conduct strongly indicate the primary purpose of the premises is supplying illegal tobacco.”
This revocation marks the sixth such closure order issued to shops in Cradley Heath in recent weeks, as part of ongoing enforcement efforts by Sandwell Council.
Earlier this month, Cradley Market, also in High Street, was forced to close for three months due to sales of cocaine, cannabis, crystal meth, and prescription medicines without prescription. Additionally, on 27 July, two more local shops, International Vape on Lower High Street and All Day on Cradley Road, were similarly ordered to close for three months by magistrates due to violations.