A second shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre has been forced to close after being caught stocking illegal vapes. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, working with Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards team, secured a three-month closure order against Cobra Vape Shop — the maximum period available.

Officers executed a warrant at the premises on Thursday, 16 July, and seized 71 illegal vapes with an estimated retail value of £923. Magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre granted the closure order at a hearing on Tuesday, 28 July. The shop will remain closed until mid-October.

Once permitted to reopen, the premises will face unannounced inspections and test purchases.

Second closure in a month

This closure follows the recent closure of Simba's, of 17 High Street in the town, where illegal tobacco and vapes had been found on the premises.

Council's warning to traders

Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said: "Our message to rogue traders could not be clearer; break the law and we will come after you. These businesses are not only putting potentially dangerous products into our communities; they are undercutting the decent, law-abiding traders who work hard, follow the rules and contribute positively to our town. We will always put law-abiding residents and legitimate local businesses first."

Councillor Vanessa Renshaw, Cabinet member for Housing and Public Protection at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added: "This closure is another clear demonstration that we will not tolerate businesses putting profit before public safety. We will use every power available to protect residents and take decisive action against those who choose to operate outside the law."

Anthony Screen, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: "The closure of this second shop in Newcastle for stocking illegal goods is another important step in our work to protect our communities, tackle economic crime and disrupt illegal activity. Illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, and are often linked to wider unlawful activity."