East Lancs shop forced to shut until January after illegal vapes bust

An East Lancashire shop has been ordered to close for three months after hoarding  illegal vapes and tobacco and selling a vape to a child.

European Mini Market on Manchester Road, Haslingden was given a Closure Order after an undercover sting by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers and Lancashire Police.

Burnley magistrates heard how illegal tobacco and vapes were found four times since January this year in joint visits by Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team and Lancashire Police.

Meanwhile, a 14-year-old posing as a buyer as part of an undercover operation was able to buy a vape without being asked for identification.

The application for the closure was made by Lancashire Constabulary under anti-social behaviour legislation designed to tackle public nuisance and disorder.

The magistrates granted a three month closure order, the maximum penalty which can be ordered, on 15 October, meaning that the shop will be shut until 14 January next year.

County Councillor Daniel Matchett, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“This is a great example of how we are actively tackling illegal vapes and tobacco  sales by working together with our partners.

“By teaming up again with Lancashire Constabulary, we will continue to ensure that the marketplace is a safe place for our residents and children.

“We want to reiterate the message that there is absolutely no place on our high street for shops that prioritise their profits over the health and wellbeing of our community. Selling vapes and other tobacco products to children places them at significant risk of harm and this is totally unacceptable.

"Our Trading Standards team will always take the strongest action possible against those who openly break the law. We encourage anyone who has concerns about the sale of any age-restricted products to report these to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133."

Sergeant Paul Marsden from the Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are extremely pleased with this result. We have listened to the concerns from the community and worked closely with Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards to target the illegal sales of tobacco and vapes to children.

"We want to send a clear message that through dedicated partnership working, we will continue to target and disrupt anyone involved in the sale of illegal tobacco and supplying illegal vapes to children."