Two vape shops in Lancashire have been hit with closure orders after they were found to be selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
Police in Lancaster served the orders to One Stop Mini Market in Church Street and Euro Shop in Cheapside following multiple Trading Standards test purchasing operations.
Euro Shop failed five inspections by Trading Standards and illicit goods were seized. They also failed a number of test purchasing operations, selling illicit cigarettes to adult test purchasers and vapes to underage test purchasers.
One Stop failed seven out of eight inspections and three test purchasing operations, selling illicit cigarettes to adults on two occasions and to a child on one occasion.
Both closure orders were passed by Preston Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (August 25).
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Lancaster Police's civil orders officer Pete Burns said: “The closures send a clear message to other retailers across Lancaster and Morecambe that the trade in illegal tobacco will not be tolerated.
"We will continue to take robust action against anyone who breaks the law, particularly where vulnerable young people are being targeted, and we will not hesitate to pursue similar measures where necessary."
County councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment, and communities at Lancashire County Council, said: "Illegal tobacco and vape sales are often just one part of a much wider pattern of offending.
"By targeting these activities, we are helping to disrupt criminal networks, improve community safety and ensure legitimate businesses are not placed at a disadvantage."
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