A shop in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, has been ordered to close after being caught selling non-compliant disposable vapes and to children under 18 years old.

Following investigations by Stoke-on-Trent City Council's trading standards team, Suli's Vapes will now be closed for a minimum of 3 months.

The shop - which first opened in November 2022 - has been subject to numerous seizures on non-compliant disposable vapes and on three occasions of selling vapes to children under 18 years old.

There have been complaints from local businesses and schools regarding the sale of non-compliant vapes and sales to children and since opening there has been over 4000 non-compliant vapes seized, non-compliant e-liquids and shisha tobacco totalling over £60,000.

The shop was caught selling non-compliant disposable vapes and to children under 18 years old (Stoke-on-Trent City Council).

After numerous attempted to warn the proprietor and landlord, the council issued a closure notice on 2 July 2024 due to the nuisance to the public and continued criminal behaviour.

Yesterday (July 4) North Staffordshire Magistrates Court found in favour of the local authority's application and granted the closure order for three months, with the option to extend for a further three months if necessary.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for enforcement, said: "We've seen a huge increase in vaping as an alternative to cigarettes over the last few years. Originally for those attempting to give up smoking, the bright colours and sweet flavours are now worryingly attracting younger audiences so it is essential store owners remain vigilant when selling these products.

"Illegal vapes, such as those seized during these visits, have an additional public health risk. They often have excessively high levels of nicotine, over the limits set by law and will not have been authorised by MHRA. This makes them highly addictive and potentially harmful to a person's health."

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READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of arson following fire in Burslem town centre

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