Stoke-on-Trent,Luton Shops Close Three Months Over Illegal Vape Sales

Two vape shops in England have been ordered to close for three months due to repeated sales of illegal vapes and tobacco, including sales to minors. In Stoke-on-Trent, Vape Shop on Trentham Road faced multiple seizures and test purchases since early 2024, with authorities highlighting its persistent offenses as part of Operation Cece, a national crackdown on illegal tobacco products led by HMRC and National Trading Standards. Councillor Amjid Wazir emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting young people and ensuring a safer community by removing illegal products. Similarly, in Luton, Luton Vape was shut down by a magistrates court after ignoring multiple warnings about selling illegal vapes, with Councillor Maria Lovell stressing the serious health risks posed by unregulated vaping devices and the ongoing efforts by Trading Standards to combat illegal sales. Both councils have urged the public to report illegal sales confidentially, reinforcing the message that the full extent of the law will be used to keep communities safe. These enforcement actions reflect a coordinated effort to tackle the dangers of illicit vaping products and protect public health.