Why it matters: The decision means the Buttermarket shop – which has been at the centre of prolonged anti-social behaviour complaints for around two years – remains open. Sources within Suffolk Constabulary told Ipswich.co.uk that officers are "incredibly frustrated" with the outcome and "cannot understand the decision."
The background: Suffolk Constabulary, working in partnership with Trading Standards, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Ipswich Borough Council Licensing, spent several months gathering evidence against the premises, including witness statements and material obtained through search warrants. A warrant executed on 10 November 2025 led to the seizure of illicit alcohol, tobacco and prescription-only medication. Police believe alcohol was being sold illegally to groups gathering outside the shop, contributing to disorder in the surrounding area.
The case had already attracted a court hearing on 23 March 2026, at which a full three-month closure order was expected to be granted following an earlier closure notice. Instead, magistrates declined to approve the order.
What they're saying: Suffolk Constabulary confirmed the decision in a statement to Ipswich.co.uk: "Magistrates did not agree to the further closure on Monday, 23 March. We accept the court's decision."
The force added: "As a constabulary we work closely with our partner agencies to ensure those who engage in illicit activity and antisocial behaviour are dealt with robustly. We will continue to monitor the establishment as we would every other premises in town and would encourage members of the public to continue reporting concerns of illegal or suspicious activity to police."
Sources within the constabulary had separately told Ipswich.co.uk that officers were "incredibly frustrated" with the outcome and could "not understand the decision."
For context: A full closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 would have prohibited anyone – including the owner – from entering the premises for up to three months. Breaching such an order is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 51 weeks in prison or an unlimited fine. The January 2025 conviction of the business for illegally selling alcohol was among the matters forming the backdrop to the police investigation.
What's next: It is not yet clear what options remain open to police and their partners following the court's decision. A closure order can only be pursued once a closure notice has been served, and the court hearing on 23 March was the point at which a full order would ordinarily have been granted. Whether police will seek an alternative legal route – such as pursuing a premises licence review through Ipswich Borough Council Licensing – has not been confirmed.
The bottom line: Despite a substantial multi-agency investigation and a prior conviction for illegal alcohol sales, magistrates have declined to close Magazin Bacau – leaving locals and investigators alike seeking answers.
