Closure order issued to store selling illegal vapes
A local store has been ordered to close with immediate effect in a move to protect public health and safety.
This morning (11 June) at Peterlee Magistrates Court, we successfully secured a premises closure order for 122 Gladstone Street, which has been trading as Bazar Store. This follows an inspection which saw trading standards officers seize hundreds of counterfeit cigarettes, illegal vapes and tobacco products from the address, which had a combined estimated retail value of over £5,000.
The premises had been under the scrutiny of trading standards following a previous closure in 2023 which was served in response to the sale of illegal vapes and cigarettes at Babylon Mini Market which traded from the same address.
The case is the latest in an ongoing joint operation between the council’s trading standards team and Durham Constabulary officers to combat the illegal trade of tobacco and nicotine products in the area.
During the hearing, information about suspicious activity from males operating in and around the premises with suspected illegal products hidden and transported in small bags, concealed on the premises and within personal clothing, was shared with the court. Details of the tactics used to evade law enforcement, including the concealment of illegal tobacco products and vapes in vehicles and bins in the streets and lanes surrounding the premises was also presented alongside intelligence about sales to under-age children.
We also argued that the revolving door of people connected with, and trading from, the premises was done with the intention of disrupting law enforcement and that the trade of illegal products was highly likely to continue.
A three-month closure notice was granted, during which time the premises will not be allowed to operate as a business. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to our trading standards team.
Shaun Trevor, trading standards and animal health manager, Darlington Borough Council, said: "We regularly work with the police and other agencies to enforce the law and protect our community. Results like this send a very clear message that criminal behaviour, which leeches out into our streets and impacts law-abiding residents and traders, will not be tolerated.
"Community cooperation is crucial in maintaining a safe environment for all, and we encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of vapes and cigarettes in Darlington to report this to us. We will continue to pay close attention to the premises on Gladstone Street to ensure any businesses operating from there are trading fairly and honestly and will take further action if needed."
Councillor Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, Darlington Borough Council, continued: "We take the illegal sale of cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products very seriously and are committed to taking positive and hard-hitting action on businesses which pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Those who attempt to exploit or sell harmful products to children should be warned we will use the full extent of our powers to bring offenders to justice.
“I would like to commend the tremendous efforts of our trading standards team and local partners, which is helping to protect our residents and keep our streets safe; ensuring Darlington remains a great place to live, learn, work or invest."
Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, added: “This type of criminal activity helps fund organised crime groups. Supplying these products to underage children can also lead to exploitation and criminality. Our commitment to eradicating these illegal operations remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure the protection of our community."
Anyone with information that can assist trading standards in Darlington can email [email protected] or report it using the online form (this can be done anonymously) at www.darlington.gov.uk/doitonline or you can contact Police on 101 with any information, or submit it online via the 101 Live Chat: www.durham.police.uk/Report-It/101-Live-Chat