Shop gets closure order over illegal tobacco sales
Number 7 Bank Street, Melksham, previously the Milksham Vape and Shop, was ordered to close for three months in December following a number of complaints, several seizures of illegal tobacco and vapes, plus test purchases of illegal products. Stock was also seized in November by police.
When the business reopened on 10 March after the first order expired, Trading Standards officers were able to purchase two packs of counterfeit cigarettes, prompting the application for the latest closure order.
The order was granted at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Friday.
More news stories for Wiltshire
Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire
Anybody who entered the premises unauthorised while the closure was in place could be sentenced to 51 weeks imprisonment and/or fined, Wiltshire Council said.
Parvis Khansari, from the council, said: "Our Trading Standards team is working very hard to tackle illegal sales in Wiltshire and this is an excellent result for the team, who have acted quickly to obtain another closure order for this business.
"It is concerning and very disappointing that despite already being served and complying with the original closure order, the business is still facilitating sales of illegal tobacco on the premises."
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Ban disposable vapes to protect children - doctors
'Alarming' rise in strong illicit nicotine pouches
How are the vaping rules changing?
Wiltshire Council
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eater
15 minutes ago
- Eater
The Langbaan Team Will Open a Thai Restaurant (Potentially) in Pok Pok's SE Division Building
is the regional editor for Eater's Northern California/Pacific Northwest sites, writing about restaurant and bar trends, upcoming openings, and pop-ups for the San Francisco Bay Area, Portland, Seattle, and Denver. Fans of blind items may have been tickled to see an article from the Oregonian tease a possible new restaurant from the James Beard Award-winning Langbaan team, but it appears the news is true: Chef Akkapong 'Earl' Ninsom confirms that he, along with Eric Nelson and chef Sam Smith of Yaowarat, will open a new restaurant dubbed OK Chicken & Khaosoi. 'Our vision is to bring a Northern Thai dining experience back to Portland — something the city has been missing since early in the pandemic,' Ninsom writes in an email to Eater. While that news in itself is worthy of excitement, exactly where the restaurant may set up shop is, in itself, a surprise. While the team is still in the lease negotiation process, if all goes well, they will take over the former Pok Pok space at 3226 SE Division Street. A tentative opening date of winter 2025 is set. (Again, if things work out with the space.) 'We feel the location — with its existing Northern Thai feel and history — would be a perfect fit for the concept we're exploring,' Ninsom writes in an email to Eater. The exterior of Pok Pok, as seen on June 17, 2020. Bloomberg via Getty Images Ninsom shares that the team is exploring a restaurant 'that balances fun and approachability with a practical, sustainable model.' What that means is counter-service or bar-style ordering, with a simple order sheet for diners to fill out, before settling into a table. Ninsom points to this model as something the team has seen in their previous research trips. 'As for the concept itself — Northern Thai flavors, late-night energy, possibly with karaoke — we see it as a way to fill a gap while also creating a place that feels vibrant but operationally efficient,' Ninsom writes. 'It's still early, so we don't have firm timelines (hoping for this winter if all goes as planned).' Meanwhile, food reporters have been trying to parse out more details via the new restaurant's Instagram page. Ninsom, Nelson, and Smith highlighted some of the dishes they sampled on a recent trip, which the Oregonian reports was 'a research trip specifically to study Northern Thai cuisine, which had [been] Pok Pok's specialty.' Parsing through the photos, the Oregonian specifically pointed to a Pok Pok-like whole roasted chicken; the photos also tease laab muang, or Northern Thai-style laab, as well as som tum, and other dishes. The winner khao soi bowl of the trip, highlighted on the Instagram page, points to a Muslim version from Khao Soi Lung Surin in the Chiang Mai village of Doi Pui, per the caption. The team is already testing the namesake khao soi at Yaowarat's staff meal (of which all staff meals are diligently catalogued on @yaowaratpdx_staff_meal). Looks like you'll have to join the Yaowarat team to get an early taste, suggests Nelson, or wait patiently for the grand opening. Eater Portland All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Time Business News
16 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Buy Black Instagram Comments: Boost Engagement and Support Black-Owned Digital Growth
In today's fast-paced digital era, social media platforms have become more than places to connect—they're centers for business, creativity, social change, and community. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as a powerful engine of influence, especially in the realm of personal branding and digital marketing. One of the most effective—and increasingly conscious—strategies for enhancing engagement on Instagram is to buy Black Instagram comments. While buying comments might once have been considered a gray-area tactic, it has evolved. Today, more businesses and individuals are turning to targeted comment strategies to grow their visibility in meaningful ways. When you 'buy Black Instagram comments,' you're not only boosting engagement but also supporting Black-owned platforms, digital entrepreneurs, and creators. In this article, we will explore what it means to buy Black Instagram comments, why this strategy matters, how to do it safely and effectively, and the broader cultural and business implications of this targeted engagement method. The phrase 'Buy Black Instagram Comments' can be interpreted in two ways: Purchasing Instagram comments from Black-owned service providers or platforms. Buying Instagram comments that come specifically from real Black users or accounts, to create culturally relevant, authentic interaction. Both interpretations carry weight in today's environment. The first supports the economic empowerment of Black-owned businesses in the digital marketing industry. The second ensures cultural relevance and authenticity, especially important for brands or influencers who speak to or represent the Black community. Whether your aim is ethical support or targeted growth, this strategy has become an increasingly valuable part of Instagram marketing. Instagram engagement isn't just about likes anymore. In fact, comments are a stronger signal of real interaction, as they show active participation and interest in your content. Here's why comments are crucial: Algorithm Priority : Instagram ranks posts higher in the feed and explore section when they receive more comments quickly after posting. : Instagram ranks posts higher in the feed and explore section when they receive more comments quickly after posting. Social Proof : Comments show others that your content is valuable, provoking thought, humor, or emotion. : Comments show others that your content is valuable, provoking thought, humor, or emotion. Community Building : Conversations build relationships between creators and their audience. : Conversations build relationships between creators and their audience. Increased Reach : Comments can push your post to trending status within hashtags or explore feeds. : Comments can push your post to trending status within hashtags or explore feeds. Business Conversion: Engaged audiences are more likely to take actions like visiting a website, following a link, or making a purchase. Given their value, it's no surprise that many brands and influencers seek to boost their comment count—and now many are doing so with intention by choosing to buy comments from Black sources. Buying Instagram comments from general sources can boost engagement, but choosing to buy Black Instagram comments adds another dimension: purpose-driven digital growth. Here's why more creators, brands, and businesses are taking this route: Black entrepreneurs are creating powerful tools in the social media and marketing space. When you buy Instagram comments from Black-owned platforms, you directly support these businesses, helping level the playing field in a historically imbalanced tech and marketing industry. If your brand speaks to a predominantly Black audience, having comments from real Black users creates authenticity. Whether you're an artist, beauty brand, fashion line, or cultural platform, relevant engagement from your target audience makes your message more credible. Generic or bot-generated comments can feel fake or mismatched. Black Instagram users often bring unique cultural expressions, humor, language, and references to comment threads—enhancing the post's overall resonance and relatability. The modern consumer is socially aware. Showing support for minority-owned digital services and authentic voices reflects positively on your brand image, especially among younger, more values-driven audiences. The short answer is: yes, when done correctly. Here are some guidelines to ensure a safe experience: Make sure the service provider is transparent about how they deliver comments, who the commenters are, and how they ensure account safety. Black-owned engagement platforms often emphasize quality and security. Services offering thousands of instant comments for cheap usually rely on fake accounts or bots. These can be spotted easily and may harm your account's credibility or even lead to action from Instagram's algorithm. Slow, natural delivery is more authentic and avoids suspicion. A good provider will drip-feed comments over time, mimicking organic interaction. Choose services that offer custom comment options, where you can write or approve comment content. This way, the comments make sense in context and contribute positively to your post. Before you purchase comments, ask yourself: Are you promoting a product? Launching a campaign? Hoping to spark a conversation? Targeting a specific demographic? Clarity of purpose helps guide the type and tone of comments you request. Look for platforms that are: Transparent about ownership and mission Well-reviewed and verified by previous clients Offering real and active Black Instagram users Equipped with secure payment gateways Several directories and digital platforms now highlight Black-owned marketing and tech companies. Where possible, submit your own comment text, tone, or themes. This ensures alignment with your brand voice and keeps interactions relevant. For example, a fashion post could have comments like: 'Love how you styled this—so fresh.' 'This color is everything.' 'Need that bag in my life.' You can also let users reply in culturally authentic ways, adding vibrancy to your post. Use Instagram's built-in analytics tools (or third-party options) to monitor performance after posting. Track metrics like: Increase in reach Saves and shares Profile visits and clicks Follower growth Adjust your strategy as you go to maximize results. High Engagement Rates : Comments are one of the strongest engagement signals on Instagram. : Comments are one of the strongest engagement signals on Instagram. Cultural Relevance : Real Black users provide more relatable feedback and expressions. : Real Black users provide more relatable feedback and expressions. Brand Trust : Social proof increases user confidence. : Social proof increases user confidence. Economic Empowerment : You're directly supporting Black-owned digital businesses. : You're directly supporting Black-owned digital businesses. Influencer Readiness: Brands and sponsors prefer working with accounts that show real interaction. Cost Considerations : Quality services from trusted providers can be more expensive than bot-driven alternatives. : Quality services from trusted providers can be more expensive than bot-driven alternatives. Perception Risk : If not done thoughtfully, some users may perceive your comment section as manipulated. : If not done thoughtfully, some users may perceive your comment section as manipulated. Limited Organic Growth: Paid comments are best used alongside organic strategies for long-term success. Buying Black Instagram comments is a tactic—your overall strategy needs to be holistic. Here are ways to integrate it into a larger plan: Ensure your content is worth commenting on. Eye-catching visuals, compelling captions, and relevant topics naturally attract more attention. Prompt followers to respond. Questions like 'Which look is your favorite?' or 'Would you try this?' encourage conversation. Build deeper connections by replying to paid and organic comments. This boosts visibility and strengthens community engagement. Hashtags like #BlackOwnedBusiness, #BlackCreators, or #SupportBlackArt can help you tap into the right audiences. Collaborations with Black influencers or creators can extend your reach and bring in authentic conversations. Depending on the provider and the quality of the comments, pricing can vary: 10–25 custom comments : $10–$25 : $10–$25 50–100 comments : $30–$75 : $30–$75 100+ comments with targeting options: $100 and up Black-owned platforms may charge premium rates due to quality assurance, real-user verification, and custom options, but the value is often much greater in terms of authenticity. Black entrepreneurs running fashion, skincare, or lifestyle brands often use this strategy to launch product lines or spotlight special campaigns. Creative professionals aiming to showcase new work benefit from targeted, culturally aligned feedback that sparks conversations. Organizations promoting equity or activism use comments to spread awareness and build discussions around important issues. Those trying to secure brand deals or grow credibility in niche markets use comment engagement to boost profile value. To buy Black Instagram comments is to blend growth with purpose. It's not just a shortcut to more engagement—it's a strategic decision that supports underrepresented businesses, promotes authentic digital experiences, and aligns with broader values of equity and empowerment. In an age where authenticity matters more than ever, buying targeted, culturally relevant comments can help brands and creators grow in a meaningful and conscious way. Whether you're an emerging influencer, an entrepreneur, or an artist, this approach offers the dual advantage of enhanced visibility and ethical marketing. Choose wisely, stay authentic, and let your Instagram presence reflect both your vision and your values. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
31 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Unlocking SEO Excellence with Muteeb Rahman: Your Guide to Digital Marketing Success
In today's digital-first world, building a strong online presence is more critical than ever before. For businesses and individuals alike, search engine optimization (SEO) has become the cornerstone of success in the digital marketing arena. As an SEO expert in Pakistan and digital marketing professional with over five years of experience, I, Muteeb Rahman, have helped countless businesses navigate the complexities of SEO to boost their rankings, attract quality traffic, and grow their brand visibility online. In this article, I will share my insights into SEO, my approach to digital marketing, and how combining these skills can unlock massive opportunities for your business or personal brand. Over the years, I have honed my skills in search engine optimization, focusing on both on-page and off-page techniques to enhance organic rankings. With a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, I have successfully optimized websites for various industries, ensuring that they rank higher for competitive keywords. My process is highly data-driven, relying on proven SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google Analytics, and Search Console to track performance, uncover opportunities, and make data-backed decisions. One of the key elements of my SEO strategy is keyword research, a crucial step in identifying the terms and phrases that resonate with target audiences. Using advanced tools, I ensure that the keywords selected have high search volume but low competition, striking a balance that maximizes visibility without getting lost in a sea of similar websites. I also take a holistic approach to SEO, considering both technical aspects and content relevance. From optimizing site speed, ensuring mobile-friendliness, to improving user experience (UX), every aspect of a website is reviewed and refined. Ultimately, my goal is not just to increase rankings but to drive meaningful traffic that converts into sales and leads for businesses. While SEO is a critical aspect of any online marketing strategy, it's only one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive digital marketing plan integrates multiple facets like content marketing, social media, paid advertising, and email marketing. As an expert in digital marketing, I bring all these elements together to create a cohesive strategy that aligns with a business's goals. In my experience, SEO works best when combined with other digital marketing channels. For example, content marketing is essential for SEO, as high-quality, optimized content provides the foundation for ranking well on search engines. It also boosts credibility and authority, which Google takes into account when determining rankings. Social media is another powerful tool in my digital marketing toolbox. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, I help businesses extend their reach, drive traffic, and engage with potential customers. Paid ads, on the other hand, allow for more targeted marketing, helping businesses reach the right audience at the right time. By integrating all these elements, I ensure that every digital marketing campaign is optimized for maximum return on investment (ROI). Whether it's building brand awareness, generating leads, or increasing sales, I approach every campaign with a clear focus on achieving measurable results. One of the most exciting aspects of SEO is its ability to help individuals build their personal brands online. Through strategic SEO practices, anyone can enhance their visibility and authority in their industry, just like I've done for myself. When it comes to personal branding, SEO plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your name and expertise are easily found by those who need it. Optimizing your LinkedIn profile, blog, personal website, or any other platform where your work and insights are shared can dramatically boost your presence online. It's about ensuring that when people search for your skills or industry, they find you on the first page of Google results. For those looking to build their personal brand, I highly recommend a content-driven approach. Writing blogs, creating videos, and engaging on social media can help establish you as an authority in your field. But without proper SEO, your content won't be seen by the right people. That's why I focus on creating SEO-optimized content that addresses the pain points and needs of the target audience, driving more organic traffic to your website or blog. In a crowded digital landscape, it's important to stand out, and that's where SEO and digital marketing come in. With over five years of experience in the industry, I, Muteeb Rahman, am committed to helping businesses and individuals achieve their online goals. Whether you're looking to increase your rankings, drive more traffic, or build a strong personal brand, I have the expertise to guide you through the ever-evolving world of SEO and digital marketing. SEO is not a one-time effort; it's an ongoing process that requires continuous optimization and adaptation. But when done right, the results speak for themselves. From boosting visibility to driving sales and creating a lasting online presence, SEO is the key to digital success. If you're ready to take your business or personal brand to the next level, don't hesitate to reach out. With my knowledge and expertise, we can unlock the full potential of your online presence and ensure long-term growth. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
