Shops ordered to close for selling illegal tobacco

Two shops in Cornwall have been ordered to close for three months for selling illegal tobacco and vapes.

On Tuesday, Truro Magistrates' Court granted closure orders for Saltash Smoke Point, and Zabka, in Camborne.

Devon and Cornwall Police submitted two closure order applications to the court after Cornwall Council's Trading Standards (CCTS) team supplied evidence of illegal tobacco sales at both premises.

The application was supported by information from people who said that both shops had been selling illegal vapes, and supplying vapes to children under the age of 18.

The application included information about the public health risks of illegal tobacco, as well as the potential harm vapes can cause when used by children.

Elizabeth Kirk, team manager at Trading Standards, said: "I'm delighted that we have been able to disrupt the illegal activity taking place at these premises.

"This is a brilliant example of how we work with our partners to target businesses that are not complying with the law and I'd like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police for all their work in securing these orders from the court.

"We will not tolerate people putting our communities at harm and will take action when there is evidence that shops or individuals are supplying illegal products."

Inspector Sophie Curtis, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "I'm pleased at the outcome of these closure orders which send a message that the illegal sale of tobacco products or of illegal, unregulated vape paraphernalia won't be tolerated in Cornwall.

"This is one example of effective partnership working."

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