Shops selling non-compliant vapes, illicit tobacco, and supplying age-restricted products to children in Blackpool have been shut down by public protection officers.
Blackpool Council has secured Closure Orders for two premises this month. Easy Mini Market on Mayfield Avenue, South Shore, and Nova Supermarket on Central Drive, have each been ordered to close for three months, until 1 July, 2026.
Trading Standards teams had seized hundreds of non-compliant vapes, cigarettes, and packs of illicit tobacco during visits to the two premises, totalling 4,520 cigarettes and 335 vapes with a retail value of £6,700.
Despite these seizures, and advice and warnings from council teams, each premises continued to supply illicit products, as well as sell age-restricted items to minors and breach Food Safety and Food Hygiene regulations.
Closure Orders were granted on 2 April, 2026, at Preston Magistrates Court, for the maximum period of three months.
Easy Mini Market and Nova Supermarket are the latest convenience stores to face enforcement action, following previous Closure Orders for five other premises across central Blackpool since 2024. In one case, a shop was closed for a second time when illicit trade continued following its initial Closure Order.
Cllr Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, said: “We will not tolerate the sale of illicit and harmful products, especially to children and young people. It isn’t just that these products are illegally produced and sold, they are highly hazardous, posing fire and health hazards for consumers.
“Illicit products such as non-compliant vapes and smuggled or counterfeit tobacco are produced in unregulated environments and are known to be more harmful than legitimate similar products. Their sale also undermines essential public health messages around reducing tobacco use.
“Our Public Protection officers from Trading Standards and Food Control are committed to tackling illicit trade and ensuring businesses comply with the law. We do this to protect the public from harm and maintain a level playing field for businesses. And if these activities persist, we will step in and close premises again.
“Other businesses concerned in, or considering, this type of criminal activity should see these Closure Orders as a stern warning that we don’t hesitate to take action to disrupt activities.”
Residents can report suspicious activity relating to the sale of illicit tobacco products by contacting Blackpool Council’s Trading Standards on: 01253 478375, or by email: tradingstandards@blackpool.gov.uk
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