A PETITION calling for more powers to stop so-called Phoenix Shops opening across Solihull has been launched.
Solihull Conservatives are calling for more police and council powers across the country to restrict how vape shops are able to operate.
The term Phoenix Shops has been coined as shop owners open and close businesses in the same area selling the same product under a different name.
The campaign has been launched after the owner of Boss Mart 4 on Startford Road in Shirley was fined almost £7,000 for selling illegal vapes.
Solihull Council said Boss Mart 4 ceased trading from the premises in October 2025 but it was subsequently occupied by another company, operating under the name Boss Mart 3.
The authority added Boss Mart 3 closed following notice given to all interested parties, that the Council would be applying to the court for a Closure Order of the premises.
Solihull Council leader, Councillor Karen Grinsell has launched the petition in Shirley fellow Shirley East Councillors Mark Parker and Annette Mackenzie.
Coun Grinsell said: “The legislation around these types of shops isn’t tight enough to stop them from reopening.
“In Shirley we has Boss Mart 3 and 4 after the owners were taken to court – how long until we get to Boss Mart 25.
“We have planning rules and licensing regulations to work with – but these shops get around it because they do not need a license and if the premises was a shop before they do not need to apply for a change of use.
“This isn’t just a problem for Shirley, we have seen it happen in Castle Bromwich and Olton too.”
She said often these shops are able to open 24 hours a day and in Shirley antisocial behaviour was reported around the shops.
Coun Grinsell said a resident had emailed her to say since the closure of the Boss Mart shops there had been fewer cars parked on the red route area and the keep clear markings.
It also noted there a significant drop in the number of youngsters hanging around the shop.
She added for this to continue tighter restrictions are needed for this type of shop and that is what the petition aims to achieve.
Coun Grinsell said once the petition is handed to Full Council it will be debated and there is hope the Council will write a letter to the Government calling for more Police and Council powers over licencing, opening hours and planning.
She added: “We need to protect residents and legitimate businesses across the borough and can only do this is if there are more powers handed to police and local councils.”
For more or to sign the petition visit www.solihullconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/stop-phoenix-shop-protect-our-streets.
