Council uses powers to close shops selling illegal vapes and tobacco products

Two Ellesmere Port businesses persistently selling illegal vapes and tobacco products have been closed for three months today after Cheshire West and Chester Council used closure powers.

On Tuesday 4th November, Chester Magistrates Court granted closure orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 for Ellesmere Port Mini Market and Convenience Store, 31 Marina Drive, and Local Express, 6 Thelwall Road.

The orders follow multiple instances of the sale and seizure of illegal cigarettes and vapes from the two premises, including in mystery shopping visits by trading standards officers.

Local Express has been trading in Thelwall Road since March 2024 and has consistently been the subject of intelligence reports that they are selling illegal vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco. 

Two covert test purchases and two enforcement inspections were conducted at the premises.  At one visit an employee at the shop, attempted to escape via a rear exit and illegal cigarettes were hidden in a holdall bag under the till.

Intelligence relating to Ellesmere Port Mini Market and Convenience Store dates back to 2021.  Complaints about the business included the sale of nicotine vapes to children. 

A total of five covert test purchases and six enforcement inspections were conducted at the premises.  Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and/or electronic cigarettes were seized on four occasions, with some found in concealed spaces with magnet closures.

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

“Our trading standards officers repeatedly found large quantities of illegal tobacco and vapes at these premises.  This criminal behaviour has been occurring for a prolonged period.  

“The Council has used its powers of closure to prevent the behaviour continuing, to protect our communities.

“The supply of illegal tobacco and vapes supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on our local communities, as well as increased health risks.  People may be tempted by the cheap price tag, but it's worth considering the great cost to your health, safety and community.”

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

...or email: 

hello@cheshirechangehub.org 

...or call on:

0300 777 0033

Pictured - Local Express, 6 Thelwall Road in Ellesmere Port.