Illegal tobacco crackdown: Council shuts Chester shops after major seizure

Cheshire West and Chester Council has secured further closure orders following a joint operation targeting the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes across Chester and Neston.

Earlier this month, the Council’s Trading Standards team, working in partnership with Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, carried out co-ordinated inspections at a number of premises. The operation, supported by a specialist detection dog, uncovered a significant quantity of illegal products, including:

• 11,040 cigarettes
• 2.6kg of tobacco

Following the investigation, the Council successfully applied for closure orders at two Chester premises:

• Local Station Off Licence, 131 Brook Street, Chester
• Easy Go Vape, 17a Delamere Street, Chester

Both premises are required to remain closed until 18 August 2026.

Closure orders are used where there is evidence of ongoing illegal activity and are designed to prevent further offending, protect local residents and support legitimate businesses.

This latest action forms part of the Council’s continued efforts to tackle the illegal tobacco market, alongside partners, including Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Illegal tobacco and vape products damage communities in many ways. They are often linked to organised crime, can make it easier for young people to access harmful products, and put responsible local businesses at a disadvantage.

This operation shows the strength of a partnership approach. The Council will continue to work closely with partners to take robust action against those involved in illegal trade and to protect communities.

Anyone with information about businesses selling illegal tobacco products can report them anonymously