Liverpool City Council makes largest seizure of illegal vapes

LIVERPOOL City Council's Public Protection team has made its largest seizure of illicit vapes in a single premises to date.

The shop, located in the London Road area of Liverpool City Centre, was visited based on intelligence received by the Council's Public Protection team. Officers from the local policing team were also in attendance.

During the inspection, warehouse quantities of illicit vapes were uncovered; in total, over 3,500 vapes were taken from this 1 shop alone, with a total street value of £42,000.

This is 3 times the previous largest total seized from 1 premises, which was 1,200, and takes seizures in 2024 to 18,500 illegal vapes with an estimated total value of over £222,000.

As well as the illegality of the vapes, they also present a clear threat to public health. Research has shown that as illicit vapes are not regulated, many contain banned ingredients and oversized tanks for the nicotine liquid.

The work of the Council's Alcohol and Tobacco Unit alongside City Law and Governance and Public Health colleagues has led to thousands of illicit vapes being taken off the streets.

If you are aware of anyone selling alcohol or tobacco products illegally, you can report them to the Alcohol and Tobacco Unit anonymously.

Sales to under 18s can also be reported on the:- 'Report Illegal Trading' on Liverpool Council's website.

Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council, said:- "This work sends a clear message to other retailers in our City who are trading in illegal products. While genuine vaping products continue to provide a viable alternative for those who want to quit smoking, the guidance remains that these should always be sourced from reputable retailers and if you don't smoke already, don't start vaping."

Aldi colleague in Merseyside celebrates 30 year milestone at the supermarket

AN Aldi colleague in Thornton is celebrating his work Anniversary after 30 years with the business. Graham Milner 1st joined the supermarket as a Store Assistant, in Aldi's Salop Street Store in Liverpool. Since then, Graham has worked at several other Aldi stores in the Liverpool area including:- East Prescot Road, Trident Retail Park and Ravenscourt Centre, and now works as a Store Manager at the supermarket's Moor Lane Store in Thornton.

From taking part in events for Aldi's dedicated charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, including:- various football tournaments, to training hundreds of colleagues across the region, Graham is an integral part of Aldi's Merseyside team.

A well-known face amongst colleagues and customers alike, Graham has seen Aldi continue to invest in the community over the years, growing to become the UK's fourth largest supermarket.

Commenting on his time at Aldi, Graham said:- "The longevity of my career at Aldi is by far my proudest achievement, as well as helping colleagues along the way. I have watched the business continue to grow and develop over the years and it feels great to have been part of that journey."

When asked what the 1 Aldi product he couldn't live without was, Graham said:- "It has to be the people's hero, Kevin the Carrot."

Laura Domoné, Regional Managing Director at Aldi UK, said:- "We're incredibly grateful to all of our colleagues and take great pride in celebrating their achievements. Colleagues like Graham have played a key part in our growth and success, and I would like to thank him for his contributions. Our colleagues allow us to connect with wider communities and continue to provide the high-quality service that customers keep coming back for."