Two retail premises in Stoke-on-Trent have been ordered to close for three months after council trading standards officers seized thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes.
UK Mini Market in Hanley was found to have sold counterfeit cigarettes in seven test purchases carried out between July 2025 and July 2026.
The enforcement action resulted in the seizure of 160 packets of illegal cigarettes, 16 pouches of illegal hand-rolling tobacco and 52 pots of illegal shisha. The products were concealed in a roof cavity at the premises.
A second retailer, Moorland Vapes, was inspected in May 2026, when officers seized 71 packs of illegal cigarettes and 1,140 non-compliant vapes.
Despite receiving warnings following the inspection, the business subsequently failed another test purchase involving counterfeit cigarettes.
The combined retail value of the goods seized from the two premises was nearly £24,000, with almost £20,000 of that total attributed to Moorland Vapes.
Both businesses have now been served with closure notices requiring them to shut for three months.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the action formed part of the council's wider enforcement work.
“We will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes and I welcome these closures,” he said.
“This work is part of our wider commitment to keep streets safe and create a cleaner city where legitimate business is not undermined. You will face consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.”