Council prosecutes Northwich business for counterfeit and illicit tobacco offences

A Northwich business has been prosecuted for counterfeit and illicit tobacco offences following an investigation by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The case relating to Chester Road Market in Northwich was heard at West Cheshire Magistrates Court on 3 April 2024.

Sarbaz Waheedi Ahmdi (21) sole director of Chester Road Market, 63 Chester Road in Northwich was given a 12-month community order for 10 offences, 140 hours unpaid work (reduced from 210 hours for an early guilty plea), a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £1,130.

The business, Chester Road Market, was fined £6,000 (reduced from £9,000 for an early guilty plea), costs of £1,130 and a victim surcharge of £2,000, to be paid within 56 days.

Trading standards officers had concerns following test purchasing activity carried out in May and July 2022.

An unannounced follow-up visit to the business resulted in the seizure of counterfeit tobacco with a value of over £3000, 296 packs of illicit tobacco and over £500 worth of illegal vapes The vapes were found to have nicotine liquid levels varying from twice to seven times the legal limit.

All businesses should be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and non-compliance could result in stock being seized and destroyed, and, as in this case, prosecution.

Illegal tobacco supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on our local communities, as well as causing poor health. People may be tempted by the cheap price tag, but it's worth considering the great cost to health, safety and community.

The Council and partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough who needs support. The ‘Go Smokefree’ service allows residents to self-refer for support to quit smoking, giving them access to 12 weeks of FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy and unlimited behavioural support for as long as they feel they need. One-to-one support is available in one of 18 venues across the borough.

Additionally, residents can be supported via telephone, text, or via Brio’s Facebook page. For more information and support visit 

Email at hello@cheshirechangehub.org or call on 0300 777 0033.

All goods seized as part of these cases did not comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015 and/or the Trademarks Act 1994.  Forfeiture of all goods seized was also granted.