Salisbury Vape shop forced to close for three month

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 06:00

A vape shop in Salisbury has been ordered to close following an investigation by trading standards officers, which showed criminal behaviour taking place at the premises.

Red Power Market Ltd, in Minster Street, Salisbury, was served a closure notice by Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards officers on 10th August under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. The request came following a number of complaints, several seizures of illegal tobacco and vapes, plus a test purchase of a vape resulting in a sale to a child.

A court hearing was held at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 12th August, and a three-month closure order was granted. Only those who are named habitual residents and authorised persons are now permitted to enter the address. Anyone else entering the premises is committing a criminal offence and on conviction may be sentenced to 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a fine.

Since opening in October 2023, Red Power Ltd has also been the subject of three separate seizures of illegal tobacco and vape products. Despite seizures and advice, reports into the sale of illegal/non-compliant disposable vapes and illicit tobacco products have continued together with numerous reports of sales of vapes to children.

Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The investigation into this premises gathered evidence of some very concerning breaches and incidents, resulting in a closure order being applied for by our officers.

“We have seen an increase in the number of complaints of vaping products being sold to children. Unfortunately the products are frequently sold at pocket money prices and manufactured in bright packaging and in flavours which young people find appealing.

“The underage sales, plus the criminal behaviour taking place at the store were causing distress to parents and local residents, plus having a negative impact on surrounding businesses. This closure order and subsequent prosecution show that we are acting on our Business Plan commitment to safeguard our residents from harm and tackle businesses that aren’t complying with the law.”

Red Power Market Ltd’s sole director, Niaz Ali, has been resident in Iraq since the business opened in October 2023 and has never visited the shop. He was not present in court for the hearing.