Wrexham shops shut as illegal tobacco and vape action steps up

Two retail premises in Wrexham have been closed by court order following an investigation into the suspected sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products.

Wrexham Council Trading Standards secured the Closure Orders at the Magistrates Court while working with North Wales Police and other partner agencies. The orders prohibit access to the businesses as further investigations continue.

For customers and nearby residents, the immediate change is that the two premises cannot be accessed while the orders are in force. The council has not provided further details of the ongoing investigation.

Residents with information about suspected illegal tobacco or vape sales can report it to Wrexham Trading Standards by email, or anonymously through the No Ifs No Butts campaign.

Premises covered by the court orders

The Closure Orders apply to:

• Simba’s Shop on King Street, Wrexham
• Brook Street Superstore on Brook Street, Wrexham

A Closure Order is an enforcement measure used to prevent ongoing criminal or anti-social activity linked to a premises. In this case, the court orders bar access to the two shops and are intended to protect local communities while enquiries continue.

Illegal products and enforcement action

The council said the action followed a series of Trading Standards investigations and enforcement activity carried out alongside North Wales Police and other agencies.

Illegal tobacco and vaping products may be sold outside the legal framework for taxation, safety controls and regulation. Wrexham Council said such trading can undermine legitimate local businesses that comply with the law. It also said illegal tobacco can make tobacco products more accessible to young people.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection, said the Closure Orders demonstrated the authority’s determination to tackle businesses involved in illegal trading and the harm it can cause in communities.

He said illegal tobacco trading is often connected to wider criminal networks, depriving the public purse of revenue while making tobacco products more accessible to young people.

Investigation and reporting information

Wrexham Council said its Trading Standards Service and North Wales Police will continue using available powers to disrupt illegal trading, remove illicit products from circulation and protect consumers.

The authority said intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement help agencies target those who profit from illicit goods and associated criminal activity. It also said it remains committed to supporting legitimate local businesses and maintaining a fair and safe trading environment for residents and visitors.

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products is encouraged to contact Wrexham Trading Standards by email or make an anonymous report through the No Ifs No Butts campaign website.

Source: Wrexham Council News