Ulverston vape shop shut for three months over illegal tobacco

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

A vape shop in Ulverston has been ordered to close for three months after a court found it was persistently selling illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products.

South Cumbria Magistrates' Court ordered One Stop, a vape shop at 6 Market Place in Ulverston, to close for three months on 15 October. The order, granted under anti-social behaviour legislation, prohibits access to both the shop and an associated third-floor flat except by court-authorised persons. The closure followed an investigation by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards in partnership with the Furness Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Trading Standards deployed a specially trained tobacco detection dog on three occasions, discovering illegal tobacco concealed within hidden compartments in both the shop and the flat. Officers seized 219 illegal vaping products, 725 packets of illicit cigarettes and 102 packets of hand-rolling tobacco throughout the investigation. The business had been subject to repeated enforcement visits since opening in October 2023.

Despite previous warnings, enforcement action and product seizures, unlawful trading continued. The court found the persistent offending had a detrimental impact on the local community, citing this as justification for the Closure Order. Councillor John Murray said the action demonstrated the council's determination to act against businesses selling illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes.

How it is being reported

• Vape shop shut after detection dog finds illegal tobacco in hidden compartmentsA VAPE shop in Ulverston has been ordered to close for three months after a court heard evidence of persistent sales of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products.Westmorland Gazette · 16 Oct, 12:25
• Vape shop shut after detection dog finds illegal tobacco in hidden compartmentsA VAPE shop in Ulverston has been ordered to close for three months after a court heard evidence of persistent sales of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products.NW Evening Mail · 16 Oct, 12:25

In this story: One Stop · Ulverston · Westmorland and Furness Council · South Cumbria Magistrates' Court · Furness Neighbourhood Policing Team · John Murray

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