Vape Mini Market and Best One Vape have been shut for three months by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) following placement of Anti-Social Behaviour Closure Orders imposed by Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, both on Friday, November 22^nd and Tuesday, November 26^th.

The Orders close the shops with immediate effect and stop them trading for three months. If they are opened for business during this time, the business owner(s) could receive three months in prison, a fine, or both.

An investigation was launched following complaints from the public that the shops were selling illegal tobacco products and illegal e cigarettes.

A number of test purchases showed that counterfeit tobacco, illegal e cigarettes and duty-free cigarettes smuggled into the UK, were being sold from the premises. The cost of 50g of counterfeit Amber Leaf tobacco was being sold for as little as £5 when the average retail price is £40.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Council said: “Illegal tobacco does great harm in the community. Its cheapness and ease of supply are particularly attractive to young people and others on lower incomes, and it eliminates the price incentive for existing smokers to quit the habit. The sale of illegal tobacco is also often linked with other criminality, with organised crime groups controlling the market, and proceeds from the sales being used to fund other criminal activities.I’m delighted to see this action being taken. Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products."

The SRS investigation into these two shops was supported by South Wales Police, Ash Wales, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, HM Customs and Excise and Local Councillors.

Anyone with information relating to the sale of illegal tobacco is urged to report it, anonymously, at https://noifs-nobutts.co.uk/report-illegal-tobacco-in-wales