4,520 cigarettes and 335 vapes worth £6,700 seized as two Blackpool shops shut down
Two convenience stores in Blackpool have been ordered to close after officers uncovered the sale of illicit tobacco, non-compliant vapes and age-restricted products to children.
Blackpool Council secured Closure Orders for Easy Mini Market on Mayfield Avenue, South Shore, and Nova Supermarket on Central Drive. Both premises have been shut for three months until July 1, 2026.
Trading Standards teams seized hundreds of illegal products during visits to the shops, including 4,520 cigarettes and 335 vapes with an estimated retail value of £6,700.
Despite previous seizures, warnings and advice from council officers, both premises continued to sell illicit goods. Officers also found evidence of sales of age-restricted items to minors, as well as breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations.
Closure Orders were granted at Preston Magistrates’ Court on April 2 for the maximum period of three months.
The two stores are the latest to face enforcement action, following similar orders issued to five other premises across central Blackpool since 2024. In one case, a shop was closed for a second time after continuing illegal activity following an initial order.
Councillor Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “We will not tolerate the sale of illicit and harmful products, especially to children and young people. It isn’t just that these products are illegally produced and sold, they are highly hazardous, posing fire and health hazards for consumers.
“Illicit products such as non-compliant vapes and smuggled or counterfeit tobacco are produced in unregulated environments and are known to be more harmful than legitimate similar products. Their sale also undermines essential public health messages around reducing tobacco use.”
She added: “Our Public Protection officers from Trading Standards and Food Control are committed to tackling illicit trade and ensuring businesses comply with the law. We do this to protect the public from harm and maintain a level playing field for businesses. And if these activities persist, we will step in and close premises again.
“Other businesses concerned in, or considering, this type of criminal activity should see these Closure Orders as a stern warning that we don’t hesitate to take action to disrupt activities.”
Residents can report concerns about the sale of illicit tobacco products to Blackpool Council’s Trading Standards team by calling 01253 478375 or emailing [email protected].