A shop in Weston-super-Mare has been ordered to close for three months after authorities discovered it was selling illegal tobacco products and vapes to children. The closure order was issued to Weston Supermarket on St James Street by Avon and Somerset Police following a joint investigation with North Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team.
The investigation revealed that the shop was not only distributing illicit tobacco and vape products to the public but also targeting underage customers, some of whom suffered adverse health effects. Last month, a woman fell ill after using a sample vape from the same store. Police interviewed the victim, who became unwell on March 21.
In connection with the incident, a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and drug supply offenses. Avon and Somerset Police emphasized that this closure order is separate from other ongoing inquiries concerning a child’s illness in the area.
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PC Anna Rees of the Weston-super-Mare Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “Weston Supermarket repeatedly sold illicit vapes and tobacco to the public, including children. This closure follows extensive evidence gathering over recent weeks and months to address the significant safety risks posed by these products.
“We remain committed to working with our partners, including Trading Standards, to act against the sale of illegal goods, and these efforts will continue.”
Cllr James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Regulatory Services, highlighted the challenges involved in enforcing premises closures: “I welcome the closure of these problematic premises and thank the Trading Standards Team and partner agencies for their hard work.
“Current legislation around premises closures is complex and time-consuming, and I have raised these concerns with Dan Aldridge MP to advocate for faster and more straightforward enforcement measures.
“There will be no safe haven for illegal activity in North Somerset. I also remind commercial landlords to carefully consider who they lease their properties to avoid facilitating such offenses.”