By: Charlie Smith, Local Democracy Reporter
Two shops that sold illegal vapes and counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco in Aylesbury have been shut down by Buckinghamshire Council.
Vape Shop at 34 High Street and Euro Store at 21 Buckingham Street have been forced to temporarily close their doors following an investigation by the Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards service.
The outlets have been ordered to shut for a period of three months each, following closure orders granted by magistrates at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.
A trading standards probe into the businesses was launched after concerns were raised about the sale and storage of ‘large quantities’ of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, rolling tobacco and illegal vapes.
Both premises had ‘constructed sophisticated purpose-made compartments’ to stash the illegal goods from inspectors, according to the council.
Mark Winn, the council’s cabinet member for homelessness and regulatory services said: “This a fantastic result for the council and for the residents of Buckinghamshire.
“Counterfeit goods like these are a menace to our society. They can be extremely dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with them and the people who sell them appear to have no scruples about who they sell them to or the damage they can do.
“Equally they have no regard for the impact their illegal activity has on legitimate local businesses trying to make an honest living.”
He added that he hoped the action against the shops would serve as a warning to people wanting to peddle ‘dangerous goods’ in Buckinghamshire.
