A store in Doncaster has been ordered to close, following the discovery of iilegal vapes during an operation by the council’s dedicated trading standards team.
As reported by City of Doncaster Council, the store named Donny Drink had already been under investigation previously for selling counterfeit cigarettes and harmful illegal vapes.
With evidence suggesting that the premises was still continuing to sell these items, trading standards recently returned to conduct another operation and discovered a further large haul of illegal products, including vapes that, according to their packaging, contained Tetrahydrocannabinol (one of the key components of cannabis).
A 48-hour closure was imposed on Donny Drink, with the council using powers granted to them under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. An application for a full Closure Order was then made to Doncaster Magistrate Court and was granted on 13th May.
The outcome means that Donny Drinks must now remain closed for a period of three months. While the order is in place, entry to Donny Drink is strictly prohibited and could even result in enforcement action being taken.
Speaking about the closure order, Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities, said: “Counterfeit tobacco products pose a serious health risk to the public, are often linked to organised crime rings, and can cause difficulties for honest business owners who actually respect the law. That is why we have zero-tolerance for their sale or distribution in our city.
“As this recent case shows, the council will take proactive steps to disrupt these illegal activities and catch those responsible. Members of the public can help us here by making our trading standards team aware of any concerns they may have about the practices of local businesses. We investigate all reports that come through to us so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Rachael Leslie, Director of Public Health at City of Doncaster Council, added: “When unscrupulous retailers sell counterfeit tobacco products, they are unregulated and can be laced with harmful substances, as was the case here. The use of these can have serious side effects, ranging from breathing problems to heart attacks and seizures.
“Verified vapes, on the other hand, can be used as a legitimate aid to help stopping smoking and we’re pleased to say that our residents have access to these through the local swap to stop scheme. Contact Doncaster's free stop smoking service and speak to one of the friendly advisors on starting your journey.”