Wednesday, September 10, saw Wrexham magistrates court order two more convenience stores in Wrexham be closed for selling illegal tobacco and illegal vapes.
Wrexham Mini Market at 44-46 Bridge Street and Wrexham Corner Market at 1 Kingsmills Road were both ordered to close by the court for 3 months. Seizures and test purchases of illegal products had been made from both premises including 12,000 cigarettes and 5,500g of rolling tobacco seized from Wrexham Corner Market.
Both premises had been previously advised and warned and were both represented in court by a barrister who did not dispute the evidence presented, but argued for a shorter closure period and a reduction in the costs claimed. The magistrates considered the request, but imposed the full 3 month closure and awarded full costs to the council of £2842.56.
These two closure orders are just the latest in a stream of closure orders granted in recent years for the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, an issue that affects not just Wrexham but towns and cities across the UK.
Councillor Hugh Jones, lead member for public protection, said: “The sheer number of vapes shops that have sprung up around the city and the discovery of illegal product in so many premises is alarming. We will continue to work with North Wales Police and Revenue and Customs to keep up the pressure on this illegal trade because it threatens the health of children and adults and brings crime into our communities. I would urge anyone who is concerned, particularly for the health of our children and who has any information about the supply of these illegal products, to report it. I would also urge landlords and agents to ensure their prospective tenants will be operating legally and not selling illegal products. Where there is evidence of complicity by landlords or agents the council will investigate and prosecute.
“Over 5000 people in Wales die every year of a smoking related disease killing more than 1 in 2 of all long-term users. Although overall smoking rates are declining, smoking is still the single biggest cause of premature death worldwide, across the UK and in Wales. Easy access to cheap tobacco increases the chances of recruiting children to a lifelong addiction to this highly addictive product. Illegal vapes typically contain far more than the permitted levels of nicotine and present a similar risk of lifelong addiction. Because of this, with our partners, we will seek to cause maximum disruption to this trade.”
Disposable vapes have a major impact on the environment with millions discarded every year in Wales. Each discarded vape contains plastic, electronics, a battery and residual liquid. Most are not recycled, and the various parts contaminate soil and water. Those that do end up in the waste system have caused fires in waste recycling facilities because of the battery that each item contains. For these reasons, since the beginning of June, it has been illegal to sell single use or disposable vapes anywhere in the UK.
Anyone can report information anonymously online or by phoning 029 2049 0621.
