A shop in Bridge Street, Taunton, has been ordered to close for three months after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vaping products to children.
The closure is the 26th secured by Heart of the South West Trading Standards in its area since July last year as part of its ongoing work to tackle illegal tobacco sales.
Trading Standards officers, working with Avon and Somerset Police, applied to Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 12 March to close Mr Taunton, at 60 Bridge Street, Taunton.
The action followed a number of complaints that the shop was selling illegal tobacco and supplying vapes to underage customers.
Checks carried out in December and January found illegal tobacco hidden in spring‑loaded drawers built into the base of the shop counter. The shop owner was warned about the law and told further problems could lead to action being taken.
However, when officers later served a 48‑hour closure notice, more illegal tobacco was found in a holdall at the premises.
Magistrates agreed the shop should be closed to stop further illegal activity and granted a three‑month closure order.
Richard Matthews Team Manager for Investigations at Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service said:
“We are committed to working with police and local communities to close shops that sell illegal tobacco products. Selling these products to children is particularly serious, and we will take firm action where the law is being ignored.
“This closure shows we will not hesitate to act to protect our communities and businesses that play by the rules.”