A joint operation involving Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Police, Immigration, and HM Revenue and Customs visited four premises last week. Officers, assisted by a tobacco detection dog, discovered illegal goods concealed behind a false wall and within hidden compartments.
In addition to the seizures, four premises have been shut down this week. Closure orders were granted after applications by the Council's Trading Standards and Legal Services teams. The shops affected are: A to Z convenience store, 27 High Street, Northwich; King Vape, 10 High Street, Neston; E.port Off Licence, 31 Marina Drive, Ellesmere Port; and Kubus, 20 Frodsham Street, Chester.
Kubus in Chester faces its first closure order due to persistent sales of illicit tobacco. The other three shops have each received an additional three-month closure order for reopening and continuing to sell illegal tobacco.
“"Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, illicit vapes or other age-restricted products can report concerns through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133."
