On Tuesday, November 4, Chester Magistrates Court granted closure orders for Ellesmere Port Mini Market and Convenience Store, 31 Marina Drive, and Local Express, 6 Thelwall Road, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The orders follow multiple instances of the sale and seizure of illegal cigarettes and vapes from the two premises, including in mystery shopping visits by trading standards officers.
Local Express has been trading in Thelwall Road since March 2024 and has consistently been the subject of intelligence reports that they are selling illegal vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco.
Two covert test purchases and two enforcement inspections were conducted at the premises.
At one visit an employee at the shop, attempted to escape via a rear exit and illegal cigarettes were hidden in a holdall bag under the till.
Intelligence relating to Ellesmere Port Mini Market and Convenience Store dates back to 2021 - complaints about the business included the sale of nicotine vapes to children.
A total of five covert test purchases and six enforcement inspections were conducted at the premises.
Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and/or electronic cigarettes were seized on four occasions, with some found in concealed spaces with magnet closures.
The council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said: "Our trading standards officers repeatedly found large quantities of illegal tobacco and vapes at these premises.
"This criminal behaviour has been occurring for a prolonged period.
"The council has used its powers of closure to prevent the behaviour continuing, to protect our communities.
"The supply of illegal tobacco and vapes supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on our local communities, as well as increased health risks.
"People may be tempted by the cheap price tag, but it's worth considering the great cost to your health, safety and community."
Council partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough seeking support.