Shop closed after selling illegal tobacco and vapes

The shop has been closed for three months

A shop has been closed after it sold illegal tobacco and vapes.

Central Bedfordshire Council closed EU Market on North Street, Leighton Buzzard, following complaints from local residents, schools and businesses over the last year.

According to the authority, some complaints concerned sales to children.

During visits on October 17 and March 14, council officers seized a total of of 1,141 vapes, 167 cigarette packets, and 34 tobacco pouches.

On June 21, the shop sold illegal tobacco to a council officer.

Luton Magistrates' Court granted a three-month closure against the business on 5 August, making it a criminal offence to enter the store.

The council said it seized more than 1,000 vapes from the shop

Councillor John Baker said: "EU Market's illegal activities have negatively impacted local businesses and residents."

The council's executive member responsible for public protection added: "This closure order shows we take community concerns seriously and will act decisively against businesses causing disruption or engaging in criminal activity.

"Similar enforcement will be applied to any shops trading in illegal goods or selling age-restricted products to minors."