A vape shop has been ordered to close for three months following joint operations by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards and the Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Westmorland and Furness Council successfully applied for a Closure Order under anti-social behaviour legislation after identifying persistent sales of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products from the premises.
The Closure Order was granted at Barrow Magistrates' Court on 7 September 2026 and applies to King Vape Shop, 136 Dalton Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1JH.
The court heard that King Vape Shop had been subject to multiple enforcement visits since it began trading in January 2025. On three occasions, the business sold tobacco products to children under the age of 18.
Trading Standards officers also seized significant quantities of illicit tobacco products and non-compliant disposable vapes during repeated inspections, totalling 485 vapes, 939 packets of cigarettes and 64 packets of hand-rolling tobacco.
The court was told that, despite previous enforcement action, warnings and product seizures, unlawful trading continued at the business. The persistent nature of the offending was found to be detrimental to the local community and justified the use of Closure Orders. The order prohibits any person from entering the premises for a period of three months, except those specifically authorised by the court.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Regulatory Services, said:
"The sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes undermines legitimate businesses, puts consumers at risk and can make these products more accessible to children.
"We welcome the court's decision and hope it sends a clear message that unlawful trading will not be tolerated in our communities.
"Trading Standards will continue to work closely with partner agencies to take robust enforcement action against traders who sell illicit tobacco, illegal vapes or age-restricted products to children. We are committed to protecting consumers, supporting legitimate businesses and keeping our communities safe."
Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Damien Mottram added:
"This Closure Order demonstrates our commitment to tackling businesses that act unlawfully and cause harm to our communities.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products undermines legitimate local businesses, poses potential risks to public health and can be linked to wider criminality.
"Working closely with our partners, we have taken positive action to address concerns and protect local residents.
"We hope this order sends a clear message that we will continue to target those involved in illegal trading to 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.