A shop that sold illegal tobacco and vapes to children has been closed down for three months by Braintree District Council.
Yellow Express on Newland Street in Witham was shut on Wednesday, 22 April after Braintree District Council secured a closure order from the courts.
The action follows a joint investigation by Braintree District Council and Essex County Council’s Trading Standards with support from Essex Police and Witham Town Council, prompted by ongoing concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes from the premises.
In the lead up to the closure, Trading Standards officers from Essex County Council carried out multiple seizures of illicit tobacco and non-compliant vapes in significant quantities. Investigations also uncovered several instances where the vapes had been sold to underage children.
Unregulated tobacco and vape products can pose serious health risks as they are often unsafe and may be laced with harmful substances. The illegal supply of these products also undermines bona fide businesses that operate responsibly and comply with the law.
Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “This was a serious and persistent case, and the court agreed that closing the premises was necessary to protect the public. This action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses putting our residents, particularly young people, at risk. Selling illegal tobacco and vapes not only undermines legitimate traders but can have serious consequences for people’s health. We will continue to work closely with our partners to take firm action against retailers who repeatedly break the law and put our communities at risk.”
The Leader of Essex County Council’s Reform UK Group, Councillor Peter Harris said: “We are committed to tackling the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes and the sale of age-restricted goods to children. We will use all the tools available to disrupt illegal activity. We are pleased to see this three-month closure order in place and look forward to continuing more of this important work with our partners at Braintree District Council. This sends a clear message to any businesses breaking the law that their actions will not be tolerated. We will do all we can to protect children, consumers and legitimate business activity.”
Inspector Phil Jackson, of Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team, which supported the district council’s action, said: “My team worked closely with Braintree District Council and Essex Trading Standards after concerns were raised that this shop was selling illegal tobacco and vapes. We take such behaviour very seriously because there is a huge risk to public health from the sale of unregulated products, particularly when children are involved. We always look for positive ways to resolve issues but, where laws are being broken, we will take action. Our priority is keeping people safe and making sure our high streets are safe for people to shop and work. Ignoring a closure order is a criminal offence and we will not hesitate to enforce this.”
Residents are encouraged to report concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes to Trading Standards.