A vape shop in Lichfield has been forced to close after officers discovered thousands of illegal cigarettes hidden inside. Vape Zone on St John Street was raided on Monday 29 June by Trading Standards officers, Environmental Health inspectors and police. They seized 2,261 illegal cigarettes, 0.85kg of hand rolling tobacco and imported food products with banned dyes. Cannock Magistrates' Court issued a three-month Closure Order on Wednesday, effective immediately.
This marks the second closure for the same premises in 2024. The shop was previously shut down from January to April this year before reopening under the same name. The repeat enforcement action demonstrates continued problems at the location and highlights the work of authorities across the Stafford and Lichfield area to tackle illegal tobacco sales.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Staffordshire County Council, said the closure sends a clear message that unlawful activity will not be tolerated on high streets. Richard Cox from Lichfield District Council called for stronger legal penalties to help authorities crack down on illegal tobacco traders operating across the Stafford region.
Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards will continue hunting down other businesses selling illegal cigarettes across the county. The enforcement action is part of a wider effort to protect legitimate traders and ensure public health standards are maintained in the Stafford area.