The closures follow months of investigation, including test purchasing a co-ordinated operation to target illegal cigarettes and vapes being sold in the city.
Three more shops in Stoke-on-Trent have been forced to close after a Trading Standards operation uncovered the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes.
The closures follow months of investigation, including test purchasing a co-ordinated operation to target illegal cigarettes and vapes being sold in the city.
The city council has now used its powers to issue three premises with a 48-hour closure notice.
Today (Thursday 6 February 2025), Newcastle Magistrates Court made a closure order for each of the premises extended these orders for three months.
The council will now work with the landlords of the affected premises to ensure that only legitimate businesses operate from these locations.
The shops subject to the closure orders are:
- 365 Vape Shop, 127 Scotia Road, Stoke-on-Trent.
- Empire Vapes, 242 Waterloo Road, Stoke-on-Trent
- Meir Vapes, 45 Weston Road, Stoke-on-Trent
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council advised: “This is another great result by our Trading Standards team. These operations protect residents, support legitimate businesses, and uphold the law.
“Businesses selling illegal goods will face serious consequences. I encourage any residents to report any suspicious activity related to illegal tobacco, vapes, or underage sales.
“We want Stoke-on-Trent to be a safe, thriving place and we won’t hesitate to take action against those who undermine the hard work of residents and legitimate businesses.”
The Trading Standards work forms part of the city council mission to be a cleaner, greener and safer city for all who live, work and visit Stoke-on-Trent.
Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to trading standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk.
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