Summit on tackling illegal tobacco and vape sales 'extremely productive'

On July 1, the North East Lincolnshire Council held an emergency summit at Cleethorpes Town Hall to tackle the growing problem of illegal tobacco and vape sales in the borough. Attendees included representatives from Humberside Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the regional illegal tobacco officer, and various council departments such as planning, licensing, trading standards, anti‑social behaviour, legal and public health. Council leader Oliver Freeston described the meeting as "extremely productive", noting that it clarified the challenges and opportunities for further action. Key issues raised were the need to prevent shops from simply reopening after closure orders, the extension of closure order durations from three to twelve months, and the potential for tighter national planning regulations to give councils more power to stop problematic outlets. The summit also highlighted the role of Trading Standards and police in gathering evidence to support closure orders. In parallel, MP Melanie Onn has been campaigning against "dodgy shops" that mask organised crime, and she met with Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle to discuss funding and national coordination. The government announced a £30 million investment over three years to target unlawful businesses and strengthen enforcement, with £20 million earmarked for national coordination.

(Source：Grimsby Telegraph)