Two Southsea shops closed over ‘persistently’ selling illegal vapes, tobacco

Two Southsea shops have been forced to close after Trading Standards investigations uncovered them persistently selling illegal tobacco and vapes.

Closure notices have been upheld against Albert Food Store, located in 131 Albert Road, Southsea, and against Portsmouth General Market Store, of 122 Albert Road, Southsea.

Trading Standards found Albert Food Store’s recent owner conducting illegal activity on 11 separate occasions over two years. Investigators carried out eight undercover test purchases and three inspections, where £47,000 of illegal stock was seized.

A 48-hour Notice of Closure was issued to the business on 31 July 2024, and at a Magistrates’ Court hearing on 2 August, the court heard about the store’s long history of supplying counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products. Evidence heard how the business would hide the products in sophisticated concealments in the store and in vehicles parked nearby. The court also heard how the business intentionally concealed the individuals responsible, with the official owner changing hands frequently.

Persistent illegal activity was also found at Portsmouth General Market Store. Trading Standards uncovered offences on 11 separate occasions in just over a year. This included nine test purchases, one of which involved the sale of a vape to a child, and two inspections where £4,000 of illegal stock was seized.

A 48-hour Notice of Closure was issued on 31 July 2024, and at an adjourned court hearing on 14 August 2024, magistrates agreed that criminal behaviour had taken place.

Both Albert Food Store and Portsmouth General Market Store have been ordered by the court to close for three months.

It follows the successful closure of Kingston Mini Market, in North End, last year for similar illegal activity uncovered by Trading Standards, which is run by Portsmouth City Council.

City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said, “Our Trading Standards team will continue to use all of the tools available to stop the supply of illegal tobacco products being sold to our residents. We estimate this recent intervention has prevented £90,000 of illegally gained money from reaching the hands of criminals, and stopped harmful products being used by adults and children.

“This should serve as a stark warning that we will take the same action against any business found selling counterfeit items and tobacco products to under-18s.”

The locks at both Southsea premises have been changed and anyone entering can be fined, or jailed for up to 51 months. After the three months, the council can apply for an extension to the closure if there is no evidence to suggest the business can open and operate legally.