Shop forced to close after repeatedly selling illicit cigarettes

A shop on Picton Road has been ordered to close after multiple owners were found to be selling illicit cigarettes. Liverpool City Council's Public Protection team were 1st alerted to illegal activity by The Corner Shop early last year, after it was reported to be selling unregulated cigarettes.

Despite repeated warnings and the earlier seizure of stock, the shop owner continued to trade illegally, and later inspections found vapes were being sold to underage customers without any ID checks.

When a staff member was questioned about the practice, it was revealed that he had no right to work in the UK.

The team then applied for a closure order of the premise under the:- 'Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014,' which was awarded on:- 19 September 2024. The shop was forced to close for 2 months, with the owner ordered to pay additional costs of:- �1,200.

In December 2024, just 1 month after the store reopened, a further investigation found that illicit cigarettes and vapes were still being sold to the public. The owner was warned that another closure order would be submitted if they continued.

A visit by the Public Protection team in April of this year found that the shop had changed management and the new owner was advised on how to comply with the law. Despite this, the team continued to receive reports that illicit sales were taking place.

When the premises was served a new closure order at the start of September 2025, it came to light that the ownership had changed hands once again in June. While the new owner claimed that the illicit sales were not happening under him, undercover purchases by the team told another story.

Additionally, an investigation by the team on the same day found a number of illicit and single-use vapes in the premises, as well as unregulated cigarettes and tobacco hidden in the owner's car boot.

Now, after appearing at Magistrates Court on:- Thursday, 18 September 2025, the shop was forced to close for the maximum amount of time of 3 months, with the owner ordered to pay:- �3,726.26 in costs.

Unregulated vapes, cigarettes and tobacco could contain banned ingredients and may pose a serious health risk to anyone using them.

Rules around the sale of vapes are set out in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

The requirements restrict e-cigarette tanks to a capacity of no more than 2ml, around 600 puffs, while the maximum volume of nicotine-containing e-liquid for sale in 1 refill container is restricted to 10ml.

Additionally, e-liquids are restricted to a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml.

Earlier this year, single use vapes were banned from sale by businesses across the UK. The new legislation applies to all disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, and covers both in-store and online sales.

Anyone who believes a shop is selling illicit goods can report it on this website, or through Crimestoppers.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said:- "This persistent disregard for the law is completely unacceptable. Repeated warnings were ignored and when businesses continue to put profit before public safety, we will take firm action to protect residents. This closure sends a clear message:- we will not tolerate businesses who flout the rules."

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said:- "Unregulated cigarettes and vapes can contain harmful and banned ingredients that present a real danger to the health of our communities, particularly to children and young people. While genuine vapes can be a helpful tool for people trying to stop smoking, they must be bought from reputable retailers. We will continue to act decisively to remove unsafe products from our streets and to support measures that reduce smoking-related harm across the City."

Walkies! Take on 62 Mile challenge to Support Dogs Trust Merseyside this October

THIS October, Dogs Trust Merseyside is encouraging dog lovers to put their best foot, or paw, forward to support dogs in need by taking on a brand-new fundraising challenge, 62 Miles in Dogtober, to help the charity continue to fund its vital rehoming services for dogs.

Fundraisers can walk, jog, cycle or swim 62 miles throughout the month to complete in their own way.

Participants are asked to complete just 2 miles a day for the 31 days of October, or 62 miles, in total. People can take part solo, bring their dog along for company, or team up with friends, family, or colleagues for extra motivation.

Participants can ask friends and family for donations by setting up a fundraising page here:- DogsTrust.Org.UK. Any donation big or small, helps Dogs Trust continue their vital work:- rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs across the UK. There is also a collaborative Facebook page for members to get involved in and share their fundraising story with others.

Every participant who signs up will receive a free Dogs Trust t-shirt and an activity card to help track their progress. By raising a target of �150, fundraisers will also earn an exclusive Dogs Trust medal as a thank you for their incredible efforts, but there is no minimum target.

Ellie Shelford, Community Fundraising manager, says:- "The 62 miles in Dogtober challenge is a fun and flexible way to support Dogs Trust dogs, as well as making sure you get out and about, with or without a 4-legged friend. You can complete your 62 miles as quickly or as gradually as you like at any location you fancy, from the beach to the back garden! If your canine companion fancies joining in, that's fantastic, but no worries if not, all you need is a love of dogs and a desire to help those who have found themselves without a family of their own."

Dogs Trust is currently caring for hundreds of dogs across its 21 rehoming centres, all patiently waiting for their forever homes. Fundraising efforts like this help provide daily essentials, training, enrichment, and veterinary care for every dog while they wait.

To sign up and for more information please visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.

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Shop forced to close after repeatedly selling illicit cigarettes

Walkies! Take on 62 Mile challenge to Support Dogs Trust Merseyside this October