A shop in Kirkby Stephen has been ordered to close for three months following a joint operation by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards and the Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Westmorland and Furness Council successfully applied for the closure order under anti-social behaviour legislation after identifying persistent sales of illegal tobacco and vapes from the premises.
The order was granted at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 24 June, and applies to European Mini Market, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen (CA17 4QT).
The court heard that the business had been subject to multiple enforcement visits since it began trading in April 2025. In total, Trading Standards officers seized 23,031 illicit cigarettes, 19.05 kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and 455 illegal vapes.
During the third visit, Trading Standards officers deployed a tobacco detection dog, which located illegal tobacco concealed within the staircase leading to the first floor of the premises. A further inspection in February this year resulted in officers discovering cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco hidden within the base of a chair.
Given the scale and persistence of the offending, the council’s Trading Standards team applied for the closure order to protect the local community and prevent further harm.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said: “This closure demonstrates our firm commitment to tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes and protecting our communities from the harm they cause. Businesses that choose to operate outside the law, particularly those persistently selling illicit goods, will face robust enforcement action. These products undermine legitimate traders, evade taxes, and can pose serious risks to public health. We will continue to work closely with our partners in Cumbria Police to identify and take action against those responsible.
Eden NPT Inspector Mo Bibby said: “This closure order follows a significant amount of work over recent weeks and months from Eden NPT and Trading Standards officers. We are aware this business has caused substantial concerns within the community, and we’re pleased the courts have granted the order to put a halt to their activity. Premises which promote the sale of illicit goods show a clear disregard for the law, the local authority and the safety of the public by selling unregulated products. We’re committed to working with our partners, including Trading Standards, to take action wherever they are being sold and these efforts will not stop.”
Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco products can contact the Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133 or by visiting www.adviceguide.org.uk