Best Vape, a shop at 34 Victoria Square in Aberdare, has been boarded up after Trading Standards uncovered the sale of illegal products. The premises was served with an immediate three-month closure order on June 24 following a Rhondda Cynon Taf Council application to Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Extensive investigation into illegal sales
The order came after what the council described as an extensive investigation into the illegal sale of vapes, cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco from the shop. During the probe, Trading Standards officers received 12 complaints about the business, including five reports alleging that vapes had been sold to underage children. A further five intelligence reports were also submitted by partner agencies.
The business was visited several times by enforcement officers. Illegal vapes, cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco were seized on two occasions. Fake Labubu dolls were also voluntarily surrendered during one inspection. Officers carried out eight test purchases at the premises, with illegal cigarettes or hand-rolling tobacco supplied on every occasion, the court heard.
Continued illegal trading despite warnings
The council said the business had continued to trade illegally despite receiving advice and guidance about its legal responsibilities. Magistrates were told that the sale of cheap illegal tobacco products was harming legitimate local businesses and the wider community, while repeated enforcement action had placed a significant demand on Trading Standards resources.
The premises must now remain closed for three months. The investigation formed part of the council's ongoing work to tackle the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products, working with South Wales Police and other agencies.
Council statement on closure order
Rhian Hope, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's director of public protection, said: "This closure order demonstrates our commitment to tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
"Despite repeated intervention, advice and enforcement action from our Trading Standards team, this business continued to engage in illegal activity. The evidence presented to the court clearly demonstrated the scale and persistence of the offending.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products undermines legitimate businesses, poses risks to public health, and can contribute to wider criminality within our communities.
"I would like to thank all of the officers and partner agencies involved in this investigation. Their dedication and persistence have resulted in decisive action being taken to protect the local community and sends a clear message that illegal traders will be held accountable.
"Trading Standards will continue to take robust action against businesses that break the law, and we encourage members of the public to report any concerns about illegal trading activity."
The dedicated Trading Standards team in Rhondda Cynon Taf employs a range of enforcement techniques to identify businesses supplying illegal products, working closely with partners at a local, regional and national level.
