TWO SHOPS FACE CLOSURE ORDERS OVER ILLEGAL TOBACCO AND VAPES

Two shops have faced enforcement action after investigations uncovered the sale of illegal tobacco products and non-compliant vapes. Muzy Mini Market in Merridale Road, Wolverhampton, had its licence reviewed by City of Wolverhampton Council following inspections that discovered 1,977 illegal cigarettes, 88 non-compliant vapes, 26 banned novelty lighters and 16 cans of counterfeit Red Bull energy drink in March, with a further 2,500 non-duty paid cigarettes and 16 pouches of rolling tobacco found in May. Best Vape in Aberdare was served with a three-month closure order on 24 June after Rhondda Cynon Taf Council applied to Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The Aberdare investigation revealed extensive breaches of trading regulations. Trading Standards officers received 12 complaints about Best Vape, including five allegations that vapes had been sold to underage children, alongside five further intelligence reports from partner agencies. Officers conducted eight test purchases at the premises, with illegal cigarettes or hand-rolling tobacco supplied on every occasion. Illegal products were seized on two occasions, and fake Labubi dolls were voluntarily surrendered during one inspection. The council stated the business had continued to trade illegally despite receiving advice about its legal responsibilities.

The Wolverhampton case also involved compliance issues unrelated to the seized goods. A staff member employed for three days was found to have no right to work in the UK. The shop's licence was cancelled and later transferred back to Mashda Bakhtiar Ali after a transfer application was discovered to have been signed by former director Laura De La Santisimi Trinidad Garcia six months after she had resigned. Muzy Mini Market's licence review was scheduled for 4 August.