UK authorities close illegal tobacco and vape shops in West Midlands and Newcastle

Sandwell Council revoked the licence of G&G Market in Cradley Heath after West Midlands Police documented repeated sales of illegal cigarettes, including to a child, and a prior three‑month closure order. Police warned the activity was linked to organised crime and posed a public‑health risk.

In Newcastle, magistrates ordered the three‑month closure of Cobra Vape Shop after trading‑standards officers seized 71 illegal vapes and uncovered evidence linking the outlet to the nearby Simba’s shop, which had also been shut for illicit tobacco sales. Newcastle Borough Council and trading‑standards officials said the premises was likely to continue supplying unlawful cigarettes and vapes.

Both actions demonstrate coordinated enforcement against unlawful tobacco and vape trading across England.