Ellesmere Port Businesses Shut Down for Selling Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two businesses in Ellesmere Port have been closed for three months after being found to sell illegal tobacco and vapes. Cheshire West and Chester Council used closure powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 following multiple violations.
Closure Orders Granted
On November 4, Chester Magistrates Court issued closure orders for the following businesses:
- Ellesmere Port Mini Market and Convenience Store, 31 Marina Drive
- Local Express, 6 Thelwall Road
Background of Illegal Sales
The orders resulted from numerous seizures of illegal cigarettes and vapes, including evidence gathered during mystery shopping visits by trading standards officers.
Local Express
- Operating since March 2024 on Thelwall Road
- Subject to ongoing intelligence reports about selling illegal vapes, cigarettes, and hand-rolling tobacco
- Two covert test purchases and two enforcement inspections conducted
- At one inspection, an employee tried to flee through a rear exit, and illegal cigarettes were found hidden under the till
Ellesmere Port Mini Market and Convenience Store
- Complaints since 2021, including selling nicotine vapes to children
- Five covert test purchases and six enforcement inspections carried out
“The orders follow multiple instances of the sale and seizure of illegal cigarettes and vapes from the two premises, including in mystery shopping visits by trading standards officers.”
Both businesses have been suspended to curb illegal tobacco and vape sales in the area and protect public health.
Summary: Two Ellesmere Port shops have been shut down for repeated illegal tobacco and vape sales, highlighting successful enforcement actions to protect the community.