A Lichfield shop has been closed for the second time this year after thousands of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products were discovered during a joint enforcement operation.
On Monday 29 June, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards, officers from Lichfield District Council’s Environmental Health team and Lichfield Police raided Vape Zone on St John Street.
Officers seized 2,261 illegal cigarettes, 0.85kg of hand rolling tobacco and imported food products containing Red 40, a synthetic dye, which did not display the statutory warnings.
On Wednesday 1 July, Cannock Magistrates’ Court granted a Closure Order on the shop for the maximum legal period of three months, with immediate effect.
This follows a previous three-month Closure Order imposed on the same premises from 30 January until 30 April 2026. The business reopened on 30 April under the new name Vape Zone.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The closure of this vape shop for a second time, following their previous closure and reopening, is a significant step in our ongoing work to tackle businesses involved in illegal activity.
“Through our close partnership with Staffordshire Police and district and borough councils, we are taking tough action against those linked to the sale of illicit goods and other criminality.
“Illegal and non-compliant vapes and tobacco can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, while undermining legitimate local businesses that operate within the law.
“This action sends a clear message that unlawful activity will not be tolerated on our high streets. We will continue to use every available power to disrupt criminal behaviour, safeguard residents and support safe, thriving town centres.”
Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community and Public Protection at Lichfield District Council, said:
“As shops continue to open in Lichfield District selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco, we continue to work with our partners to shut them down.
“The products they sell are a risk to public health and are often linked to the other criminal activity.
"This is the second time these premises have been closed for the maximum period allowed under current legislation.
“We are calling for stronger legal penalties to be introduced as soon as possible to help us crack down on these criminals.”
Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards will continue to work with their partners across the county to identify businesses selling illegal tobacco and take enforcement action where appropriate.
