Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy neighbourhood - Chorley shop shut down by police
It will not reopen until October.
A shop in Chorley has been shut down by police after it was found to be selling illegal vapes and illicit cigarettes and tobacco, in addition to selling these products to underage buyers.
Last Wednesday, Lancashire Police and partners successfully secured a closure order for American Vape Shop on Market Street.
Trading Standards conducted five inspections at the store which has led to a total of 864 packs illicit cigarettes/tobacco and 187 illegal vapes being seized.
The closure order was passed by Preston Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, July 22, and was served by officers the following day. As a result, the store was ordered to close immediately and will remain closed for three months.
Anybody found on the premises whilst the closure order is in place may be arrested and could face imprisonment and/or a fine.
PC Pete Burns from Lancashire Police’s ASB Prevention Command said: “Working closely with Lancashire Trading Standards and other partners, we have secured a Closure Order through the courts to put a stop to this activity.
“I hope this sends a clear message to other stores across the county that the sale of illegal products to underage children will not be tolerated in Lancashire.
“We’re grateful to the public for sharing information that helped us to achieve this outcome. Your support is vital, and we encourage you to keep reporting concerns so we can continue tackling issues like this, which often lead to anti-social behaviour in surrounding areas.”
Paul Noone, Head of Trading Standards & Scientific Services at Lancashire County Council added: “The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes to underage children not only breaks the law but can harm public health, undermine responsible local businesses and contribute to wider criminal activity.
“Everyone deserves to live in safe, healthy neighbourhoods, and we will continue to work closely with the police and our partners to take robust action against those who put our communities at risk.”
If residents have concerns about the sale of tobacco or vape products in their area, they can report them to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Op Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
You can report anti-social behaviour concerns to Lancashire Police by calling 101 or via their website https://www.lancashire.police.uk/ro/report/