Dudley Council’s trading standards team closed 19 shops across the borough during the last financial year, after they were found to be run illegally.

The team acted between May 2024 and March 2025, with the closures understood to be the highest number made by any single trading standards team in the country during a single financial year. 

Often referred to as ‘pop-up’ shops, the stores were found to be selling illegal tobacco, cigarettes, disposable vapes and other drugs to customers including children. 

There were also further concerns of modern slavery, people trafficking and other serious crimes being operated by groups running the shops. Following several sting operations in the spring and summer of 2024, Dudley Council obtained closure orders from Dudley Magistrates court for High Street Mini Market in Brierley Hill and Halesowen Mini Market on Peckingham Street, both remain closed. 

Since September 2024, a further 17 shops, located in Stourbridge, Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill, Netherton and Coseley, have been closed. Landlords evicted their tenants for carrying out criminal activity on the property, with support from trading standards. 

Councillor James Clinton, cabinet member for public health said: “Unfortunately, there are organised crime groups who wish to sell illegal goods and age restricted products to children, but we are determined to protect the public and safeguard our borough’s legitimate businesses. 

“The trend of illegal pop-up shops has sadly become a national issue, but Dudley’s trading standards has streamlined enforcement action and we’re helping landlords to understand the checks they can make to secure law abiding tenants in the future. 

“Organised crime groups are beginning to run out of vacant premises to move to in our borough, with some only staying in business for a couple of weeks before we shut them down.” 

People with concerns about any business in the borough can make a confidential referral to the team by calling 01384 814600.