Yet another shop in Wrexham city centre has been closed down for selling illegal vapes and tobacco
King Mini Market, 7 Trinity Street, close to the bus station in the city centre is the latest shop to be closed by order of the court following action by Trading Standards. Evidence of a history of seizure and sales of super sized, super strength vapes as well as illegal cigarettes was put to the court. Lawyers acting on behalf of the business offered no defence and did not attend the hearing at Wrexham Court on Thursday 20th March. The shop will remain closed for the next 3 months.
This is just the latest in string of closure orders obtained by the Council’s Public Protection Service. All the premises have been closed for selling illegal vapes, illegal tobacco or both.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Public Protection said, “it is really important that the Council takes step to protect our community. Illegal vapes and tobacco threaten the health of our children and bring crime into our communities. Closure orders have proved a highly effective way of disrupting illegal supply and increasing the costs to the businesses that get involved in selling illegal product.”
“Over 5000 people in Wales die every year of a smoking related disease which kills 1 in 2 of all long term users. Easy access to cheap tobacco increases the chances of children acquiring a lifelong addiction to this highly addictive product. Illegal vapes contain far more than the permitted levels of nicotine and present a similar risk of lifelong addiction. Disposable vapes present 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 batteries cause fires in waste recycling facilities.”
“I would urge anyone who cares about their community and their children’s health to report any information they have relating to illegal tobacco or vapes.”
Reports can be made anonymously – on line at https://noifs-nobutts.co.uk/ or by phone at 029 2049 0621
