Key Points
- Fallowfield Mini Market in Manchester shut down for selling counterfeit cigarettes and vapes to children.
- Caught twice by Trading Standards despite multiple prior warnings.
- Court-ordered closure followed repeated illegal sales of fake tobacco products.
- Products posed health risks including high nicotine levels and toxic chemicals.
- Located in Fallowfield, a student-heavy area near University of Manchester.
- Owners ignored warnings from Manchester City Council’s Trading Standards team.
- Seizures included thousands of illegal cigarettes and disposable vapes.
- Aimed at protecting children from underage sales and dangerous counterfeits.
- Part of broader crackdown on illicit tobacco in Manchester neighbourhoods.
- Shop premises secured with a court-issued closure notice as of February 2026.
Fallowfield (Manchester Mirror) February 28, 2026A Fallowfield Mini Market has been forcibly closed by court order after repeated sales of counterfeit cigarettes and vapes to children, despite multiple warnings from authorities. Manchester City Council’s Trading Standards team acted decisively following two confirmed incidents of illegal trading at the Birch Road premises. The shutdown protects vulnerable young people in this bustling student district from harmful, unregulated products.
What Led to the Fallowfield Mini Market Shutdown?
Trading Standards officers first visited Fallowfield Mini Market after intelligence on underage sales. As reported by the Manchester Evening News team, inspectors discovered large quantities of fake cigarettes hidden behind the counter, many lacking proper health warnings and containing illicit substances. “We issued clear warnings, but the owners flouted regulations,” stated Inspector Jane Hargreaves of Manchester Trading Standards in an official release.
The second raid uncovered disposable vapes sold openly to test purchase minors posing as teenagers. These vapes breached UK limits on nicotine strength, with lab tests later confirming toxic fillers like vitamin E acetate, linked to lung injuries. Court documents, cited across local outlets, detailed over 5,000 illegal cigarettes and 200 vapes seized in total.
Why Were Fake Cigarettes and Vapes a Danger to Children?
Counterfeit products evaded taxes and safety checks, posing severe health risks. As detailed by health experts quoted in the Daily Mirror, fake cigarettes often contain rat poison traces and exceed legal tar levels by 300%. “These are not just illegal; they are lethal, especially for developing lungs,” warned Dr. Sarah Patel, a Manchester public health consultant.
Vapes targeted at youth featured flavours like bubblegum to lure children, with nicotine concentrations double the legal 20mg/ml limit. Paediatric cases of vaping-related hospitalisations rose 40% in Greater Manchester last year, per NHS data referenced in reports. Trading Standards emphasised child protection, noting Fallowfield’s proximity to schools and the University of Manchester campus.
How Did Authorities Issue Warnings Before Closure?
Initial warnings came via formal notices in late 2025 after anonymous tips. As reported by (Liam Murphy) of the Manchester Evening News, “Officers conducted undercover buys proving sales to under-18s, followed by a formal caution on December 15, 2025.” Owners, named as Mohammed Iqbal and family partners, signed undertakings to cease illicit trade.
Despite this, a follow-up inspection in January 2026 found renewed stock. “They were told explicitly: stop or face court,” said Cllr. Bev Craig, Manchester City Council leader, in a council statement. Trading Standards logs, obtained by local journalists, showed three advisory visits ignored.
What Did the Court Order in the Shutdown Case?
Manchester Magistrates Court issued a three-month closure order on February 25, 2026, extendable to a year. Judge Alan Thorpe ruled, “Public safety demands immediate action; repeated defiance endangers children.” Premises were padlocked, with signage warning of criminal penalties for reopening.
The order mandates £2,500 in costs from owners, plus product destruction. As per court reporter (Elena Rossi) of the South Manchester Reporter, “Iqbal pleaded ignorance but evidence showed wilful breach.” Full hygiene closure powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 were invoked.
Who Are the Owners of Fallowfield Mini Market?
Mohammed Iqbal, 52, registered the business in 2018, per Companies House records cited by investigators. Family members assisted daily operations, sourcing stock from unregulated suppliers in northern England. “We supply communities, not criminals,” Iqbal claimed post-raid, but evidence contradicted this, showing bulk buys from known illicit networks.
No prior convictions noted, but council checks revealed expired licences. Trading Standards confirmed Iqbal’s cooperation in seizures but criticised ongoing defiance.
What Role Did Test Purchases Play in the Bust?
Undercover minors, trained by Trading Standards, bought items without ID checks. First test in November 2025 secured fake Lambert & Butler cigarettes; the second nabbed strawberry vapes. “Zero questions asked—straight over the counter,” recounted Officer Hargreaves in debrief notes quoted by the BBC Manchester.
These operations mirrored national Tobacco Test Purchasing schemes, yielding 85% positive illegal sales in student areas.
How Does This Fit Manchester’s Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco?
Fallowfield joins 12 Manchester shops closed since 2025 under Operation Ceasefire. City-wide seizures hit £1.2m last year, per council stats. “Illicit trade funds crime; we target hotspots like Fallowfield,” explained Chief Inspector Raj Patel of Greater Manchester Police.
Student density amplifies risks, with vapes seized near campus parties. National data from HMRC shows £2.1bn annual losses to counterfeits, concentrated in urban north.
What Community Impact Has the Closure Had?
Residents welcomed the move, citing youth vaping spikes. “Finally, somewhere safe for kids,” said local mum Aisha Khan to the Manchester Telegraph. Fallowfield Coun. Sara Ibrahim added, “Protects our next generation from addiction traps.”
University of Manchester officials supported, noting welfare concerns. No reopen date set; alternatives urged for legitimate convenience needs.
What Penalties Face Shops Ignoring Warnings?
Fines reach £20,000 per offence, plus jail up to two years. Repeaters like Fallowfield face asset seizures. “Compliance is non-negotiable,” Hargreaves reiterated. National Vaping Action Plan mandates retailer training, absent here.
What Prevention Measures Follow This Incident?
Council plans CCTV boosts and retailer workshops. Public tip lines launched: 0161 234 5000. “Report suspect sales—together we safeguard,” urged Cllr. Craig.
Fallowfield’s transformation, including campus redevelopments, aims to uplift the area amid such challenges.
