Stoke-on-Trent shops shuttered after illegal tobacco sales

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-06-09 10:17 3 min read

A rustic wooden sign hanging in a shop window reading CLOSED.

Two Stoke-on-Trent businesses have been ordered to close following a string of persistent illegal tobacco sales. The enforcement action, led by the city council’s Trading Standards team in partnership with HMRC and National Trading Standards, aims to curb the supply of counterfeit goods and protect local residents from unregulated products.

Premises targeted for repeat offences

The closure orders specifically affect Longton Drinks Limited Vape Shop and Victoria Eastern European Food. Both establishments had previously been subjected to three-month closure orders by the local authority. Despite these prior interventions, investigations confirmed that both premises had resumed the storage and supply of illicit tobacco products, effectively using their retail space as a front for illegal trade.

Longton Drinks Limited Vape Shop first drew the attention of authorities in January 2026 following a public complaint. Subsequent investigations revealed that the shop continued to trade in counterfeit tobacco, with five successful test purchases recorded despite multiple warnings issued to the business owners. Similarly, Victoria Eastern European Food, which had reopened in February 2026, was found to be operating as a front for the sale of illegal goods. A test purchase conducted in April 2026 resulted in the seizure of counterfeit cigarettes, triggering the latest legal proceedings. The formal closure orders for both sites were granted on 21 May 2026.

Enforcement and public safety context

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, confirmed that the local authority remains committed to rooting out illegal trade. “We will not tolerate the sale of these products in Stoke-on-Trent,” Wazir stated. “Removing these products off our streets keeps young people safe, supports honest local traders and forms part of the city council’s wider work to make our town centres family-friendly.”

Stoke-on-Trent shops shuttered after illegal tobacco sales

The sale of illicit tobacco poses significant public health risks, as these products are often unregulated and may contain harmful substances not found in legal, taxed tobacco. Furthermore, the trade undermines legitimate local businesses that comply with strict safety and tax regulations. By enforcing these closure orders, the council aims to create a level playing field for law-abiding retailers while deterring criminal activity within the city’s commercial districts.

This ongoing enforcement is part of a broader push to maintain public safety across the region. Similar efforts to curb illegal tobacco enforcement have been seen in other UK cities as authorities crack down on retailers bypassing safety regulations. Residents who have concerns regarding the sale of illegal tobacco, vapes, or underage sales are encouraged to report them to the council’s dedicated hotline at 01782 238884 or through the official council portal at www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards.

Source: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Local Report

This report is based on official enforcement disclosures provided by Stoke-on-Trent City Council regarding closure orders issued in May 2026.

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