Wrexham convenience store ordered to close for three months

The closure order was imposed on Kalar Mini Market, New High Street, Ruabon, by Wrexham Magistrates.

This was after an application from trading standards officers who detailed a series of sales and seizures of illegal cigarettes and vapes.

The shop will remain closed until April 29, 2025.

Councillor Hugh Jones, lead member for public protection, said: "The rapid rise in the use of vapes by people who have never smoked and their use by children is very concerning and it is good to see that UK and Welsh Government are progressing towards new legislation later this year that will help to control the supply of illegal vapes and tobacco and support progress towards the Welsh Government objective of a smoke free Wales by 2030.

"The sale of illegal products in our community is of particular concern and we will not hesitate to use the legal powers we have to protect the health and wellbeing of our young people.

"I welcome the result of this action with the very practical impact of closing the premises for a considerable period of time.

"This disruption not only affects the owner of the business but also the property owner who will be unable to use or rent the premises for any purpose for the next three months.

"If you are a landlord or property agent with tenants who break the law in this way please be aware that similar action may be taken resulting in the loss of use of the premises by order of the court."

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Councillor Jones also highlighted the potential dangers of cheap, easily available cigarettes and rolling tobacco, stating that they make it easier for children to become addicted to smoking and harder for adult smokers to quit.

He also pointed out the risks posed by cheap disposable vapes to the health of non-smoking children and the environmental problems caused by the large volume of discarded vapes.

The closure order was supported by North Wales Police.