Shops closed down as £50k of illegal goods seized

Five shops in Stoke-on-Trent have been closed down after more than £50,000-worth of illegal goods were seized.

Easy Shop, UK Minimarket, American Candy Vape Shop and Mini Market, all in Longton, as well as Yasa Vape Shop in Tunstall were issued with closure orders following a Trading Standards investigation.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the stores repeatedly sold illegal items including counterfeit cigarettes, vapes and tobacco, some of which were bought by children.

Councillor Amjid Wazir said removing the products helped to keep young people safe and support honest traders.

"We will not tolerate the sale of illegal vapes and cigarettes to underage children in Stoke-on-Trent and I welcome these closure orders," he added.

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