Court orders closure of Hartlepool store for selling illegal vapes

The three-month order, granted by Teesside Magistrates following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team, applies to the International Food Store in Murray Street.

A court hearing, held on Wednesday 21st August, heard that numerous complaints had been received regarding the sale of illicit tobacco from the premises.

A Cleveland Police operation centring on the premises in July also found that a large quantity of illegal tobacco products and vapes were being supplied from the premises. A total of 400 packets of illegal cigarettes, 154 pouches of illegal tobacco and 155 non-compliant e-cigarettes with a combined street value of approximately £4780 were seized at the time.