Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards Team has successfully obtained more Closure Orders against two retail premises in Wrexham as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products and disrupt associated criminal activity.
The Closure Orders, granted yesterday by the Magistrates Court, relate to:
- Simba’s Shop, King Street, Wrexham
- Brook Street Superstore, Brook Street, Wrexham
The action follows a series of investigations and enforcement activities carried out by Wrexham Trading Standards, working closely with North Wales Police and other partner agencies.
Closure Orders are a significant enforcement measure used to prevent ongoing criminal or anti-social activity linked to premises. The orders prohibit access to the businesses and are intended to protect local communities while further investigations continue.
The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products is frequently linked to wider organised criminality. These products are often sold outside the legal regulatory framework, avoiding taxes and safety controls, while undermining legitimate businesses that comply with the law.
Trading Standards and North Wales Police remain committed to using the full range of powers available to disrupt illegal trading, remove illicit products from circulation and protect consumers.
Statement from Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection:
“These Closure Orders demonstrate our determination to tackle businesses involved in illegal trading and the significant harm it causes to our communities.”
“The illegal tobacco trade is often connected to wider criminal networks, depriving the public purse of much-needed revenue and making tobacco products more accessible to young people.”
“I would like to thank the officers from Trading Standards and North Wales Police for their continued commitment and partnership working in bringing these matters before the court.”
“We will continue to take robust enforcement action wherever evidence of illegal trading is identified.”
The successful applications were the result of close partnership working between Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards Service and North Wales Police. By sharing intelligence and coordinating enforcement activity, agencies are able to effectively target those who profit from the sale of illicit goods and associated criminal activity.
The Council remains committed to supporting legitimate local businesses and ensuring a fair and safe trading environment for residents and visitors alike.
Report Illegal Sales
Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products are encouraged to report it to Wrexham Trading Standards via email.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via the No Ifs No Butts campaign website.
