King's Lynn shop ordered to close for selling vapes to children
During a raid in November more than 400 illegal vapes were found on the premises
A shop in King’s Lynn which sold illegal vapes, vapes containing THC and illicit tobacco has been ordered to close following a court hearing.
This is the second closure order for a shop selling illegal vapes granted in Norfolk.
Labas Minimarket, on Norfolk Street, was also found to be selling vapes to children.
The shop was served a closure notice on Tuesday 19 December, following several visits by Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Trading Standards.
They tell us, over the last few months, 33 complaints have been made - 32 of which were due to underage sales, sales of illegal vapes and illicit tabaco.
In a raid on 1 November, 405 illegal vapes and 13 packs of illicit cigarettes, as well as an illegal hide, was discovered.
They also seized thousands of illegal vapes, tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol, despite the shop not having an alcohol license.
Following the initial Notice, a court hearing was held at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (21 December 2023) and a closure order was granted up to 25 February 2024.
"Nuisance to the public"
Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet Member for People and Communities at the borough council, said: “The anti-social behaviour caused by this shop has had a negative impact on the local community and a nuisance to the public. The nature of the illicit products are a significant risk to people’s health and wellbeing.
“The list of completely unacceptable activities includes selling illegal products to children and targeting the most vulnerable in our society. I’m pleased that the borough council, working with partners in the police and trading standards, have put a stop to this.”
Sgt Darryl Grief, local policing team sergeant said: “This is a real priority for our local team here in King’s Lynn – we have had many people contact us with concerns around sales of vapes to children and the associated anti-social behaviour. This closure order shows that we will act on those things that affect the people in our community.”
Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships Cllr Margaret Dewsbury said: “The Closure Order granted by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk shows organisations with enforcement responsibilities across Norfolk work effectively together and will take action to protect public health, address the illegal trading of vapes and vaping products and their illegal sale to children and young people under 18.
“Illegal vapes, such as those seized during these visits, often have excessively high levels of nicotine which are over the legal limits, making them highly addictive and harmful to health.”