A Bournemouth convenience store has been ordered to close for three months after trading standards officers seized almost £50,000 worth of illegal vaping and tobacco products from the premises.
Seven Days Express, on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth town centre, was served with a closure order following repeated visits by trading standards teams from BCP Council, which uncovered illicit tobacco, hand-rolling tobacco and vaping products concealed throughout the shop.
The closure order, granted by the courts, came after officers discovered a series of hidden storage areas behind and beneath shelving, as well as within a wall cavity. Photographs released by the council show packets of cigarettes, tobacco pouches and vape products stashed in the concealed compartments.
Trading standards officers also recovered large quantities of oral nicotine pouches, smoking paraphernalia and products featuring cannabis leaf branding. Images from the inspections show displays of glass pipes, bongs and branded rolling accessories alongside the seized goods.
Among the products confiscated were boxes of Lost Mary disposable vapes, while photographs also show clear plastic sacks filled with seized vape products and cigarette cartons. Officers additionally discovered a kitchen-style knife during one inspection.
According to BCP Council, the estimated retail value of illegal goods seized from the store between 24 March 2024 and 19 August 2025 totalled £49,161.30.
The premises will remain closed until 11 September 2026.
Officers discovered a series of hidden storage areas at Seven Days ExpressPhoto via Local Democracy Reporting Service
Councillor Kieron Wilson, BCP Council's cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said the action demonstrated the authority's determination to tackle illegal trading activity.
"We are committed to improving safety in the local area and this action sends a clear message that businesses operating outside the law will be held to account," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Wilson said the closure order followed repeated trading standards visits during which illegal tobacco and vape products were found concealed within the premises.
"Despite enforcement action, the activity continued, and this closure order is considered the most appropriate step to prevent further offences and protect the public," he added.
Wilson also welcomed proposals announced by the Home Office this week that would give local authorities additional powers to tackle businesses involved in illegal activity.