A shop in Chorley has been shut down by joint action by the police and the council after selling illegal vapes, illicit cigarettes and sales to underage buyers.
Over the course of five inspections, a total of 864 packs of illicit cigarettes or tobacco and 187 illegal vapes were seized from American Vape Shop on Market Street.
A closure order was passed at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 22 July and served with a three-month closure notice which will be in place until October.
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Anyone found on the premises on that time could be arrested or face imprisonment.
PC Pete Burns, from Lancashire Police’s ASB Prevention Command, said: “Working closely with Lancashire Trading Standards and other partners, we have secured a Closure Order through the courts to put a stop to this activity. I hope this sends a clear message to other stores across the county that the sale of illegal products to underage children will not be tolerated in Lancashire.
“We’re grateful to the public for sharing information that helped us to achieve this outcome. Your support is vital, and we encourage you to keep reporting concerns so we can continue tackling issues like this, which often lead to anti-social behaviour in surrounding areas”.
Paul Noone, Head of Trading Standards & Scientific Services at Lancashire County Council said: “This Closure Order, applied for by Lancashire Constabulary and supported by our Trading Standards officers, demonstrates the strength of partnership working in protecting our communities and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes to underage children not only breaks the law but can harm public health, undermine responsible local businesses and contribute to wider criminal activity. Everyone deserves to live in safe, healthy neighbourhoods, and we will continue to work closely with the police and our partners to take robust action against those who put our communities at risk.
“If residents have concerns about the sale of tobacco or vape products in their area, they can report them to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.”
