South London Vape Shop Ordered Closed After Selling Counterfeit Cigarettes to Children
A South London vape shop has been handed a three-month closure order after being caught selling counterfeit cigarettes to children for just £5 per pack. The shop, Walworth Rd Vape, will remain shut until at least May 25 following a court ruling at Croydon Magistrates Court.
Major Seizure of Illegal Goods
Southwark Council's investigation led to the seizure of a massive quantity of illegal products, including 32,000 cigarettes, 1,817 vapes, and 360 packs of tobacco and shisha. All items were being sold unlawfully from the premises, which had previously operated under different names including SE Cloud and Europe Vape.
The council conducted nine undercover test purchases that revealed the shop's illicit activities. In three separate instances, the store sold counterfeit cigarettes to children for £5 per pack, demonstrating a clear pattern of targeting young customers with dangerous products.
Sophisticated Concealment Methods Uncovered
Council officers employed specialist tobacco sniffer dogs to locate the illegal products, which had been meticulously concealed throughout the shop. The thorough investigation revealed sophisticated hiding methods designed to evade detection.
The court found substantial evidence of repeat wrongdoing and determined that a closure order was necessary to prevent continued illegal activities. While the respondents and landlord did not oppose the closure application, they did attempt to restrict the duration to less than the maximum three-month period.
Council Takes Strong Stance Against Illegal Sales
Cllr Natasha Ennin, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, emphasized the serious nature of the offenses. "The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes poses major health risks to our communities and undermines our honest legitimate shopkeepers," she stated.
"Securing this second closure order is another great result for our trading standards team. With more to come, the action shows Southwark Council will not tolerate local shops being taken over by organised criminal groups," Ennin added.
The council has committed to continuing its collaborative efforts with police and public health colleagues to maintain a healthy environment and create a safer, fairer Southwark for all residents.
