A vape shop in Ulverston has been ordered to close for three months after a court heard evidence of persistent sales of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products.
Barrow Magistrates' Court granted a Closure Order on 15 October against One Stop, 6 Market Place, Ulverston, following an application by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The order, obtained under anti-social behaviour legislation, prohibits access to both the shop and an associated third-floor flat for three months, except by persons specifically authorised by the court.
The action follows an investigation by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards in partnership with the Furness Neighbourhood Policing Team.
The court heard that the business had been the subject of repeated enforcement visits since opening in October 2023. During the investigation, Trading Standards officers deployed a specially trained tobacco detection dog on three occasions, leading to the discovery of illegal tobacco concealed within hidden compartments in both the shop and the associated flat.
Over the course of the investigation, officers seized 219 illegal vaping products, 725 packets of illicit cigarettes and 102 packets of hand-rolling tobacco.
Despite previous warnings, enforcement action and product seizures, the court was told that unlawful trading continued. The persistent offending was found to have a detrimental impact on the local community and was cited as justification for the Closure Order.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Regulatory Services said:
“This latest Closure Order by the courts shows our determination to take action against businesses whose illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes blight our communities. One Stop in Ulverston’s Market Place has been the source of persistent harm, and we have acted to disrupt the unlawful activities taking place at the premises.
“This is the first time Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards officers have applied for a Closure Order which includes residential accommodation, which has made this a far more complex investigation. The third-floor flat is not a permanent residence but has been used as accommodation for workers employed in the shop, as well as the illicit storage of products. We have been satisfied that all those using the flat have alternative residential addresses so have taken this action to protect the local community.”
Furness Neighbourhood Policing team added:
"This outcome sends a clear message that unlawful trading will not be tolerated in Furness.
“We will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to identify those involved in criminality, take action where appropriate and help keep our communities safe."
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.