Keighley’s MP has called for more powers to shut down “dodgy shops” after five businesses in the town centre were stripped of their alcohol licences for selling counterfeit tobacco.

Earlier this month Bradford Council held licence reviews of three businesses on Cavendish Street and two on North Street.

All five were stripped of their alcohol licences after a licencing panel heard they were involved in the sale of contraband cigarettes.

Some of the businesses used hidden compartments or chutes to hide their products, and Police and Trading Standards officers said all were involved in organised crime.

placeholder image — Keighley Mini Market

Hundreds of packets of illegal cigarettes and pouches of tobacco were found at the five stores.

Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, has now raised the issue in Parliament, saying it should be easier for businesses like these to be replaced with “law abiding, independent businesses.”

The five businesses to be stripped of their licences were European Food and Keighley Mini Market on North Street, and Keighley Continental, Keighley Pound Plus and Wisla on Cavendish Street.

At the licensing meetings, members were told that the businesses’ alcohol licenses could be revoked, but the Council had no power to stop the stores selling cigarettes, as tobacco sales are not something that requires a licence.

Removing the alcohol licence is seen as one of the best ways of disrupting the criminal activity of these businesses – some of which advertise themselves as off licences.

A court order would be needed to shut down the shops.

Reports from police and Trading Standards to the panel said such orders were being considered for these Keighley stores.

Raising the issue in the House of Commons, Mr Moore referred to the recent announcement that Cavendish Street was due to get £1.4m investment to improve traffic and make it more attractive for pedestrians.

He said: “I welcome the fact that Cavendish Street in Keighley is to be upgraded thanks to the investment secured through the previous Conservative Government’s Towns Fund.

“However, alongside the many brilliant local businesses, the street is still home to several dodgy shops.

“They were stripped of their alcohol licences for illegal activity just last week, but they remain open and no convictions have followed.

“Will the Leader of the House grant a debate in Government time so that we can propose that when shops are found to be carrying out illegal activity, they can be shut down and replaced with proper, law-abiding, independent businesses?”

He said the businesses “undermine legitimate traders and damage confidence in the town centre at a time when investment is being made to improve it.”

Sir Alan Campbell, leader of the House of Commons, said: “These matters are often better decided locally because they depend on local circumstances, but if the hon. Gentleman wants to go into greater detail and hear from the relevant Minister, in case the existing rules are not being applied properly, I encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall debate.”