Council uses powers to close fifth shop selling illegal vape and tobacco products

A Chester business has been closed by Cheshire West and Chester Council for three months, using closure powers due to the shop selling illegal vapes and tobacco products.

These are the fifth premises closed by the Council in recent months.

Chester Magistrates Court granted a closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 for Chester Local Store, 5 Broughton, Chester from 5th February to 5th May 2026.

Information relating to previous seizures and covert test purchases was presented in court to show the persistent sale of illicit cigarettes and vapes.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said:

“The supply of illegal tobacco continues to blight our communities.  Although people may like the idea of cheap cigarettes and vapes, the risk to health are simply not worth the risk.

“These businesses are putting our communities at risk.  They are exploiting our residents for personal gain and are often selling to children.  The Council will do everything in its power to find these businesses and close them down.”

“If you have information about a business that is selling illegal products or selling to children, please get in touch with Trading Standards and we will follow it up.”

Last week, trading standards officers joined Cheshire Police visiting seven businesses across the borough as part of Operation Crossbow.  Illegal products including 21,060 cigarettes, 5.6kg tobacco and 122 vapes were seized.

It was following this operation that the closure notice was served on Chester Local Store.

More information on Trading Standards is available here: 

Council’s website.

The Council and its partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough who needs support.  The ‘Go Smokefree’ service allows residents to self-refer for support to quit smoking, giving them access to 12 weeks of FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy and unlimited behavioural support for as long as they feel they need. One-to-one support is available in one of 18 venues across the borough.

Additionally, residents can be supported by telephone, text, or Brio’s Facebook page.

For more information and support visit: 

www.cheshirechangehub.org

email at: 

hello@cheshirechangehub.org 

...or call on:

0300 777 0033