Closure order issued amid links to anti-social behaviour
A retail premises has been issued with a three-month closure order after officers uncovered illegal tobacco, suspected counterfeit toys and multiple regulatory breaches linked to anti-social behaviour concerns.
Birkenhead Bargains, on Grange Road, Birkenhead, was ordered to shut its doors under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 following action by Wirral Council's Trading Standards and Legal Services teams.
The closure order is the 27th secured by the council since December 2025.
The action followed concerns raised on social media about the display of BB guns alongside balaclavas at Birkenhead Bargains amid ongoing anti-social behaviour issues being tackled by Merseyside Police.
A joint visit by Trading Standards and police officers on 6 October resulted in the seizure of:
- 1,340 illegal cigarette sticks and 0.6kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco.
- 91 suspected counterfeit Pop Mart dolls that also failed to comply with toy safety regulations.
- A large quantity of suspected counterfeit squishy toys that did not meet toy safety requirements.
- A large quantity of fidget and spinning toys that did not comply with toy safety requirements.
The premises was found to be selling a range of age-restricted products, including tobacco, vapes, BB guns, knives, bladed articles and butane gas, without having any effective measures in place to prevent sales to under-18s.
Officers found no age-verification policy, no signage, no staff training records and no evidence of challenge procedures being operated.
During the inspection, the person in charge of the premises incorrectly stated that BB guns could be sold to individuals aged 16 and over, rather than the legal minimum age of 18.
BB guns and balaclavas were displayed together behind the counter.
Officers also found food products on sale that did not carry the required UK food labelling information and discovered the business had failed to register as a Food Business Operator.
Further regulatory breaches included products that failed to comply with General Product Safety Regulations, the absence of mandatory tobacco and business identification notices, and inadequate CCTV retention.
In addition, officers discovered the main fire escape was completely blocked by combustible materials and padlocked shut. The matter was referred to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
During a hearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, Jamaluddin Sabir, the sole owner of Birkenhead Bargains, told the court he had "made mistakes" and requested a second chance. He also stated he was unaware of the relevant legal requirements and his responsibilities as a business owner.
However, the court was satisfied that a serious public nuisance had occurred in relation to the premises and that the maximum three-month closure order was necessary to prevent further harm. Sabir was also ordered to pay £2,200 in costs.
This case is a clear example of the important role the public can play to help tackle anti-social behaviour.
It is significant that the court agreed activities at the premises were contributing to anti-social behaviour. Such criminal activity is not welcome in Wirral and will not be tolerated.
It is vital that we identify and seize these goods to get them off the market and ultimately bring offenders to justice.
There are clear links between the illicit tobacco trade and wider organised crime before we even consider the potential health risks posed by untested and illegal products.
Most retailers across Merseyside operate legally and responsibly, but where businesses are found to be selling illegal tobacco, suspected counterfeit goods or failing to comply with the law, we will work with our partners to take action.
Joint enforcement operations like this continue to make a real difference, allowing us to tackle criminality, address community concerns and protect people from harm. We would encourage anyone with information about illegal activity taking place at local businesses to come forward and report it, as community information is often key to helping us take action.
If you know or have suspicions or illegal activity, you can report it anonymously using Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
