Windermere shop ordered shut over sales to children

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 07:01 · Archive

Cumbria Police have secured a three-month closure order for a Windermere shop selling illicit tobacco, vapes and alcohol to children as young as 12.

Cumbria Police have secured a three-month closure order for Mere Local Store on Main Road, Windermere, which was selling illicit tobacco, counterfeit cigarettes, vapes and alcohol to children as young as 12 and 13 years old. The shop had been handed two warning letters but continued the illegal sales.

Anti-social behaviour was reported in early 2025 following the store's opening. A neighbour described seeing children congregating in the yard in an intimidating manner, with people emerging with vapes before handing them to others. In January 2026, police received intelligence the store was selling vapes to children. The following month, fake cigarettes and duty-free tobacco were being sold. During a test purchase, a vape and a can of Monster energy drink were sold to a 15-year-old.

On 23 September, a multi-agency operation involving Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs and Immigration led to a raid. Pipes and bongs were seized from public display, and a set of grinders was recovered from behind the counter. In a nearby vehicle, trading standards found quantities of illicit tobacco, vapes and non-compliant Viagra. South Cumbria Magistrates' Court issued the closure order on 15 October.

How it is being reported

• Shop sold vapes and alcohol to children aged 12 as illegal Viagra pills also foundCUMBRIA Police have secured a three-month closure order for a shop in Windermere that was selling illicit tobacco, counterfeit cigarettes and non-compliant Viagra.NW Evening Mail · 19 Oct, 06:00
• Shop sold vapes and alcohol to children aged 12 as illegal Viagra pills also foundCUMBRIA Police have secured a three-month closure order for a shop in Windermere that was selling illicit tobacco, counterfeit cigarettes and non-compliant Viagra.Westmorland Gazette · 19 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Mere Local Store · Windermere · Cumbria Police · South Cumbria Magistrates' Court · Trading Standards · HM Revenue and Customs

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