A Lichfield shop has been closed for the second time in six months after authorities discovered thousands of illegal cigarettes during a raid. Officers from Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Lichfield Police raided Vape Zone on St John Street on Monday 29 June. The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,261 illegal cigarettes, 0.85kg of hand rolling tobacco and imported food products containing banned synthetic dye without proper warnings.
Cannock Magistrates' Court issued a three-month Closure Order on Wednesday 1 July, the maximum penalty allowed by law. This marks the second time the same premises has received a full three-month closure order. The business had reopened under its current name on 30 April following its first closure earlier this year.
Council leaders have expressed serious concern about the sale of illegal tobacco products in Lichfield. Councillor Richard Cox stated: "We will not tolerate shops selling illegal cigarettes in Lichfield District." The council has highlighted that illegal tobacco poses significant public health risks and is often connected to other criminal activity.
Officials in Lichfield are now calling for stronger legal penalties to tackle the problem of illegal cigarette sales more effectively. The council believes that tougher measures are needed to prevent businesses from repeatedly breaching trading standards and putting local residents at risk.