Posted on Monday 22nd December 2025
The American Candy shop was one of two in Lichfield to be closed down for selling illegal goods.
Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards has supported Staffordshire Police and Lichfield District Council’s Environmental Health team, who have secured court action for the closures.
On Wednesday 17 December, officers raided Sankeys Vape in Bridge Cross Road and American Candy in Water Street. This action followed targeted intelligence-gathering and multi-agency inspections aimed at tackling the sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products.
On Friday 19 December, Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted a Closure Order for Sankeys Vape for the maximum legal period of three months, with immediate effect. American Candy has been made subject to an interim Closure Order and the matter will return to court for a decision on Friday 2 January 2026.
Closure Orders are designed to disrupt criminal activity while safeguarding the public.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“This is another great result in our joint efforts to tackle the sale of illicit and illegal goods in Staffordshire.
“By working in partnership, we’ve been able to close two more shops that have been flouting the law. It also sends out a clear message that we do not tolerate crime on our high streets.
“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks, especially to young people. The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”
Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Public Protection, said:
“We will not tolerate criminality in our district. Shops selling illegal cigarettes and vapes put public health at risk, damage legitimate businesses and fuel wider criminal activity.
“Wherever these outlets pop up, we will work with our partners to shut them down and use the full force of the law to keep our communities safe.
“Today’s outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of partnership working with Trading Standards and the Police. We encourage residents to report concerns about suspected illicit product sales via the County Council Trading Standards ‘Report it’ web page.”
The suspected sale of illegal tobacco products and vapes can be reported on the Trading Standards Report It webpage.