Revealed: Four vape shops are closed a week in Britain for breaking the law
Summary
Trading Standards departments are closing vape shops at a rate of four a week for breaking the law. The Daily Mail's Freedom of Information requests revealed that 102 shops were closed last year, with the Heart of South West Trading Standards area leading the way with 13 closures. Many of these shops were found selling illegal vapes, counterfeit tobacco, or selling to minors. For example, World Vape Shop in Swansea was shut down after officers found illegal vapes and tobacco worth over £40,000. Shopworker Many Shahabi Kirimi was jailed for two years for selling counterfeit cigarettes and illegal vapes. The findings highlight the struggles of Trading Standards departments, such as the Dorset watchdog that did not carry out any under-age vape test purchases in 2025. John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, has called on the Home Office to urgently review the powers and resources available to Trading Standards officers.
(Source:Mail Online)