Two retail premises linked to the sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products have been the subject of successful court action brought by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards.
On Monday 14th September, Carlisle Magistrates' Court granted a three-month extension to an existing Closure Order relating to European Mini Market, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen. The extension means the premises will remain closed for a further three months, until 23 December 2026.
At the original hearing, the court was told that the trading practices of European Mini Market were having a detrimental impact on the local community, particularly in relation to school-aged children who were regularly attending the premises and were believed to be purchasing vaping products.
The court heard that, since the original Closure Order was granted on 24 June 2026, the Headteacher of Kirkby Stephen Grammar School had reported a noticeable improvement in pupil behaviour following the closure of European Mini Market.
In a separate case, One Stop, 44 Highgate, Kendal, has been ordered to close for three months following a Closure Order granted by Barrow Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 15th September. The Order follows the discovery of illegal tobacco products and non-compliant vaping devices during Trading Standards investigations.
The court heard that, since September 2025, Trading Standards officers had carried out multiple inspections at One Stop, uncovering illicit tobacco products and non-compliant vaping devices concealed within purpose-built hiding places. During these inspections, officers seized 1,222 packets of cigarettes, 123 packets of hand-rolling tobacco and 716 vaping devices.
Evidence presented to the court demonstrated a persistent pattern of illegal activity at the premises despite previous enforcement action. The court was satisfied that the continued use of the premises was associated with criminal activity and that a Closure Order was necessary to prevent further offending.
The court action follows intelligence-led operations undertaken by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards, working in partnership with Cumbria Police to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products across the area.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said:
“These new court orders are a welcome step in protecting consumers and keeping our communities safe. Anyone selling illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes are on notice that we will work closely with partner agencies and take robust enforcement action against them. These outlets not only put people at risk, they also undermine legitimate businesses who are selling approved products where the correct duty and other taxes have been paid.
“As a local councillor in Kirkby Stephen I have seen first hand the impact that a shop selling illegal tobacco or non-compliant vapes can have, and anyone who has similar concerns across Westmorland and Furness should report these premises so we can investigate.”
Residents are encouraged to report the sale of illegal tobacco, illicit vapes or underage sales to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or online at Citizens Advice.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Keep It Out which allows members of the public to report the sale, storage or distribution of illegal tobacco and vapes in confidence.
The 3 month limit on Closure Orders over antisocial behaviour is set down in law, so is the maximum the council can request the courts impose. The Government is currently considering extending the maximum period to 12 months.
