Trading Standards close five shops and seize over £50,000 of illegal goods after underage sales

Five premises in Stoke-on-Trent have been issued with closure orders by the city council’s trading standards team after persistent illegal sales.

Easy Shop, UK Minimarket, American Candy Vape Shop and Mini Market – all in Longton – as well as Yasa Vape Shop in Tunstall have all been ordered to close after illegal activity.

After repeated sales of illegal cigarettes and despite warnings, test purchases of counterfeit cigarettes were made as well as sales to children.

Illegal tobacco undermines community safety and often has links to wider criminal activity, including organised crime and anti‑social behaviour.

Over £50,000 of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco were seized.

This is part of ongoing enforcement action to keep neighbourhoods safe, protect residents’ health, and support legitimate local businesses.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We will not tolerate the sale of illegal vapes and cigarettes to underage children in Stoke-on-Trent, and I welcome these closure orders.

“Removing these products keep young people safe, supports honest local traders and forms part of the city council’s wider work to make our town centres family friendly and safe to live in.The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell products illegally.”

Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes and underage sales can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards