Premises closed for 3rd time over illicit vape sales

A shop has been closed for the 3rd time in less than 3 years after it was found to be selling illicit vapes and cigarettes.

The premises, situated on 242 County Road, Liverpool, has been passed between:- 3 owners since the end of 2023, with each issued a closure order by the courts following investigations by Liverpool City Council.

Originally trading as:- 'Local Extra Mini Market,' the premises was 1st forced to close for 6 weeks on:- 30 November 2023.

An investigation and seizure by the Council found illicit vapes and cigarettes being stored in professionally installed wall and ceiling concealments.

As well as issuing a closure order, the Courts awarded costs of:- �600 to the Council.

The shop then changed hands, but continued to trade under the same name.

However, a further investigation found illicit products were still being sold, and the premises was ordered to close for 3 months on:- 17 May 2024, with the new owners asked to pay:- �2,200 in costs.

Now, less than 2 years later, the premises has been forced to close for a 3rd time.

Despite new owners and a name change to:- American Candy, the shop was again found to be illegally selling vapes and cigarettes to members of the public.

On Thursday, 5 February 2025, the new owners were ordered to close the premises for a further 3 months and pay:- �1,988 to the Council.

This is the 1st time a single premises has been closed on 3 separate occasions following investigations by Public Protection Enforcement Officers.

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 in1refill container is restricted to:- 10ml.

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

Anyone who believes a shop is selling illicit goods can report it on our website, or through Crimestoppers. People can also report a shop they believe is selling age restricted items to anyone underage on the Council website, or via:- Trading Standards.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said:- "Vapes can play a genuine role in helping people quit smoking, but only when they meet strict safety standards. What we've seen at this premises is the deliberate sale of unregulated, potentially dangerous products that put residents at risk. Closing this shop for a 3rd time shows that we will not hesitate to act against businesses that ignore the law and undermine public health."

Hole In 1 Golf shop in Southport launches new Golf Coast Members Club to save money for local golfers

THE Hole In 1 Golf shop in Southport has launched a new Golf Coast Members Club scheme. The scheme is aimed at saving money for local golfers, with 10% off every purchase for shoppers who can show membership of local clubs including:-

Royal Birkdale
Hillside
Southport & Ainsdale
Southport Old Links
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa
Formby
Park
Southport Golf Academy
West Lancs
Hurlston Hall
Formby Ladies
Hesketh

Hole In 1 Golf opened its doors at:- 203 Lord Street, in Southport's Town Centre, opposite The Vincent Hotel, in time for Christmas 2025.

The local independent family owned business is operated by golf loving Glyn and Lisa Richards and son, Max, who are on hand to offer any help or guidance needed by shoppers.

The family are excited for the year ahead which includes:- the arrival of:- The Open Golf Championship, that takes place at the historic:- Royal Birkdale, in Southport, this July.

Glyn, Lisa and Max Richards said:- "Southport and the surrounding area is internationally known as:- 'England's Golf Coast' because it's home to so many of the finest golf courses in Britain! The concentration of championship golf available within England's Golf Coast is unique in the UK. If you love golf, this is the place to come. We have so many talented golfers in this area playing regularly at some magnificent clubs. We are also very excited to see the return of The Open golf championship to Royal Birkdale this summer; with players including:- Southport's very own Tommy Fleetwood! It would be incredible to see Tommy win The Open. He will certainly inspire a new generation of golfers in Southport and across the world. We want to see people get out there and enjoy playing golf! At Hole In 1 Golf we offer fantastic money off savings across our wide range of golf clubs, men's and ladies' clothing, golf shoes and more. Here you'll find an extensive selection of top golf brands, all at unbeatable prices. We offer a price match guarantee so we will match the price it is online anyway, but with the added experience of being able to see, feel and try on what you're looking to buy to make sure it's right for you. Call in and say hello if you're in town! This is going to be a brilliant year in Southport, including:- The Open and 4 brand new events taking place along Lord Street, with so many reasons for people to come and visit."

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Premises closed for 3rd time over illicit vape sales

Hole In 1 Golf shop in Southport launches new Golf Coast Members Club to save money for local golfers