Second illegal vape shop shut down in Newcastle in just one month

A second Newcastle town centre shop has been forced to close in the space of just one month after being caught stocking illegal vapes.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has worked alongside Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team to secure a three-month closure order against Cobra Vape Shop, the maximum period available.

The order follows a warrant executed at the premises on Thursday, 16 July, when officers seized 71 illegal vapes with an estimated retail value of £923.

Magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre granted the closure order at a hearing on Tuesday, 28 July. The premises will now remain closed until mid-October.

Once the shop is permitted to open, it will continue to face unannounced inspections and test purchases.

Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:

Our message to rogue traders could not be clearer; break the law and we will come after you.

 

These businesses are not only putting potentially dangerous products into our communities; they are undercutting the decent, law-abiding traders who work hard, follow the rules and contribute positively to our town.

 

We will always put law-abiding residents and legitimate local businesses first. This administration will continue working with the police, Trading Standards and other partners to identify illegal activity, shut it down and hold those responsible to account.”

Cllr. Vanessa Renshaw, Cabinet member for Housing and Public Protection at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:

This closure is another clear demonstration that we will not tolerate businesses putting profit before public safety.

 

We will use every power available to protect residents and take decisive action against those who choose to operate outside the law.

 

Let this serve as a warning to anyone involved in selling illegal products in our borough: we are watching, we are taking action and there will be consequences.”

Yesterday's closure order served on Cobra Vape Shop follows the recent closure of Simba’s, of 17 High Street in the town, where illegal tobacco and vapes had been found on the premises.

Anthony Screen, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, added:

The closure of this second shop in Newcastle for stocking illegal goods is another important step in our work to protect our communities, tackle economic crime and disrupt illegal activity.

 

Working closely with our partners, we are taking robust action against those involved in the sale of illicit goods and other criminality that harms residents and undermines legitimate businesses.

 

Illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, and are often linked to wider unlawful activity. We will continue to use every available power to protect consumers, support honest traders, and ensure our high streets remain places where legitimate businesses can thrive, not criminals who seek to profit from breaking the law.

 

Our town centres should be welcoming, safe and prosperous places for residents, visitors, and honest businesses. They must not become places where criminal enterprises can operate and profit at the expense of our communities.”