A LICHFIELD shop has been closed for the second time this year after thousands of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products were discovered.
Officers from Lichfield District Council’s Environmental Health team, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Lichfield Police raided Vape Zone in St John Street.
They seized 2,261 illegal cigarettes, 0.85kg of hand rolling tobacco and imported food products containing Red 40 – a synthetic dye – which did not display the statutory warnings.
On 1st July, Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted a Closure Order on the shop for the maximum legal period of three months, with immediate effect.
This follows a previous three-month order imposed on the same premises from 30th January until 30th April. The business reopened on 30th April under the new name Vape Zone.
Cllr Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for community and public protection, said:
"We will not tolerate shops selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco in Lichfield District and want them closed for good.
"The products they sell are a risk to public health and are often linked to the other criminal activity.
"This is the second time these premises have been closed for the maximum period allowed under current legislation.
"We are calling for stronger legal penalties to be introduced as soon as possible to help us stop this criminal activity."
Cllr Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"The closure of this vape shop for a second time following the previous closure and reopening is a significant step in our ongoing work to tackle businesses involved in illegal activity.
"Through our close partnership with Staffordshire Police and district and borough councils, we are taking tough action against those linked to the sale of illicit goods and other criminality.
"Illegal and non-compliant vapes and tobacco can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, while undermining legitimate local businesses that operate within the law.
"This action sends a clear message that unlawful activity will not be tolerated on our high streets. We will continue to use every available power to disrupt criminal behaviour, safeguard residents and support safe, thriving town centres."
