Vape shop ordered to close due to illegal sales

The shop was investigated following numerous complaints to the council

A vape shop has been ordered to close for three months after an investigation by Wiltshire Council.

Red Power Market Ltd, on Minster Street, Salisbury, was served a closure notice by Trading Standards on Saturday.

Officers said they had seized several illegal vape and tobacco products from the shop, and a vape had been sold to a child during a test purchase operation.

The council said anyone entering the address during the closure period, who is not a resident or authorised person, could be subject to a fine or prison sentence.

Since opening in October 2023, Red Power Market Ltd has been the subject of three separate seizures of illegal tobacco and vape products.

Despite the action and advice offered, reports of the sale of illegal or non-compliant disposable vapes and illicit tobacco products continued, along with numerous reports of sales of vapes to children.

Action was taken under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and a three-month closure order was granted during a hearing at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The council said it had received reports of vapes being sold to children

Councillor Dominic Muns, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for environment, said there had been some “very concerning breaches and incidents".

“The underage sales, plus the criminal behaviour taking place at the store were causing distress to parents and local residents, plus having a negative impact on surrounding businesses," he said.

“Unfortunately the products are frequently sold at pocket money prices and manufactured in bright packaging, and in flavours which young people find appealing."

The council said Red Power Market Ltd's director did not attend the court hearing.