A shop in Orpington has been forced to close following a Trading Standards investigation into the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.
The closure order for Avah Market, located on High Street, Orpington, was approved by Bromley Magistrates’ Court and marks the first-ever closure of this kind in the borough.
Investigation and Closure
The investigation revealed that illegal tobacco and vapes were not only being sold inside the shop but also stored in vehicles nearby.
Before the court hearing, Trading Standards Officers seized:
- 140 packs of illicit tobacco, which were concealed
- 245 illegal vapes, with tanks exceeding the legal limit of 2ml
- Non-compliant products with improper health warnings
Following the court’s approval, Avah Market was formally closed on 28 February.
Council Statement
A council spokesperson stated:
*”We will not tolerate the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes, with the related health concerns well documented. The Trading Standards action to close this store in Orpington follows detailed investigation to both stop the sales and to gather the required evidence to take this legal action.
We are grateful to the police for their support. Whilst it is the first time we have closed a shop in this way, it may not be the last. Others are warned that we will take action to prevent the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes, including stopping underage sales.”*
Public Encouragement to Report Illegal Sales
Residents and shoppers are encouraged to report any concerns regarding:
- The sale of illegal tobacco or vapes
- Underage sales of restricted products
Reports can be made via:
- The council’s website
- Calling Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133
The council’s Trading Standards team and police will continue to monitor the situation to ensure compliance.
Legal Action Details
The three-month closure order was granted on 27 February at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, with enforcement taking place the following day.
This closure serves as a warning to other businesses, reinforcing that authorities will take strict action against those selling illegal products and breaching regulations.
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