Erdington shisha shop shut under council's first closure order

A shop in Erdington has been shut down after Birmingham City Council's Trading Standards team won the council's first ever closure order.

Birmingham Magistrates' Court granted the order against M1 Shisha Shop Limited on Tuesday 11 August. The premises had also traded as A1 Shisha Shop Limited from the same address.

Repeated seizures

Trading Standards officers had already visited the shop twice, in January 2025 and March 2026, seizing illicit vapes and tobacco on both occasions. A test purchase during a further visit in July led to the application. After the court's decision, officers went to the premises to enforce the order and formally close the business.

The closure was part of Operation CLOUD, an enforcement campaign involving the council and partner agencies.

"The vast majority of businesses in Birmingham operate responsibly and make a positive contribution to the city's economy," said Councillor Harris Khaliq, Cabinet Member for City Services and Digital.

He said that where enforcement was needed, the council would "not hesitate to use the powers available to us to protect residents and support legitimate traders".

Councillor Sam Forsyth, Chair of the Licensing and Public Protection Committee, thanked the officers involved and said actions like this help keep high streets "safe, fair and welcoming for everyone".

Residents can report rogue traders, illicit goods and other Trading Standards concerns through the council's website.