Two Chester shops shut down following major illegal...

Contents

Closure orders for Brook Street and Delamere Street premises
Scale of the illicit tobacco and vape seizure
Impact of unregulated trade on the Chester community
Reporting illegal sales and future enforcement

Two retail premises in Chester have been ordered to cease operations for two years following a multi-agency crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco and unregulated vaping products. The enforcement action, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards team, resulted in the seizure of thousands of cigarettes and significant quantities of hand-rolling tobacco.

Closure orders for Brook Street and Delamere Street premises

Following a successful application at court, closure orders were granted for Local Station Off Licence, located at 131 Brook Street, and Easy Go Vape at 17a Delamere Street. Both businesses are now legally required to remain closed until August 18, 2026.

These orders are utilized by local authorities when there is evidence of persistent criminal activity. By shuttering the physical locations, officials aim to disrupt the supply chain of illegal goods and prevent further offending that compromises the safety of the local high street. This Chester operation follows similar enforcement actions in Liverpool where record-breaking closure orders were recently secured after the discovery of sophisticated concealment methods.

Scale of the illicit tobacco and vape seizure

The co-ordinated inspections involved Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, supported by a specialist detection dog trained to locate hidden tobacco products. The search uncovered a substantial haul of contraband, including 11,040 cigarettes and 2.6kg of tobacco.

The presence of the Fire and Rescue Service highlights a specific safety concern: illegal cigarettes often lack the mandatory ‘reduced ignition propensity’ features. These features ensure a cigarette self-extinguishes if left unattended, and their absence significantly increases the risk of accidental house fires. The scale of the problem is reflected in large-scale shop closures across the UK, including a recent crackdown in Dudley where dozens of shops were linked to organized crime networks.

Two Chester shops shut down following major illegal tobacco raid

Impact of unregulated trade on the Chester community

Illegal tobacco and vape products have a documented negative impact on local communities beyond the immediate health risks. These products are frequently sold at lower prices because they bypass UK tax regulations, creating an uneven playing field for legitimate local businesses that operate within the law.

Furthermore, the lack of age-verification controls at shops selling illicit goods makes it significantly easier for minors to access nicotine products. Authorities noted that the trade in illegal tobacco is often linked to broader organized crime groups, meaning local purchases can inadvertently fund more serious criminal activities. The removal of these products from Brook Street and Delamere Street is intended to protect young people and support the economic health of Chester’s retail sector.

Reporting illegal sales and future enforcement

The Council has confirmed that it will continue to work alongside Cheshire Police to monitor retail compliance across the region. Robust action will be taken against any business found to be flouting safety regulations or engaging in the sale of non-compliant vapes and tobacco.

Residents who have information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco or the supply of vapes to minors are encouraged to report these activities. Reports can be made anonymously through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline or via the Council’s website. Information provided by the public often serves as the starting point for the Trading Standards investigations that lead to these long-term closure orders.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council