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  "description": "Two local premises have been issued with more closure orders after persistent incidents of selling illegal tobacco to the public.",
  "path": "/persistent-illegal-tobacco-sellers-ordered-to-close-by-trading-standards-team/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-05T13:19:51.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards",
    "Get Instant Updates"
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  "textContent": "The orders reinforce ongoing action by the council’s trading standards team, HMRC and National Trading Standards to protect residents, support legitimate businesses and keep communities safe.\n\nLongton Drinks Limited Vape Shop and Victoria Eastern European Food had both previously been subject to three-month closures by the city council’s trading standards team.\n\nSince reopening, illegal activity was found to be continuing, with both shops storing and supplying illegal tobacco products.\n\nBoth premises are mini markets, which were acting as a front for selling illegal tobacco products.\n\nLongton Vape Shop received a complaint, which led to a small seizure of illegal tobacco in January 2026, and further investigating found five test purchase of counterfeit tobacco were made despite repeated warnings.\n\nVictoria Eastern European Food originally reopened in February 2026, but in April this year, a test purchase of counterfeit cigarettes was made, which led to a seizure of illegal tobacco.\n\nThe closure orders were granted on Thursday 21 May.\n\nCouncillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:\n\n> “I welcome the closures of these two persistent offenders, who have continued to sell illegal tobacco. We will not tolerate the sale of these products in Stoke-on-Trent.\n\n> “Removing these products off our streets keep young people safe, supports honest local traders and forms part of the city council’s wider work to make our town centres family friendly and safe to live if. The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell products illegally.”\n\nAnyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes and underage sales can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards\n\n####  Enjoyed this story?\n\nThe Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.\n\nEvery contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.\n\nExplore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent.\n\n### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp\n\nNever miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!\n\n\nGet Instant Updates\n\n\n\nSupport independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.",
  "title": "Persistent illegal tobacco sellers ordered to close by Trading Standards team",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-05T13:19:51.908Z"
}