VIP Vape and Vape Town ordered to close after selling vapes to children and possessing illegal vapes and tobacco
Persistent anti-social behaviour and illegal activity, including the sale of vapes to underage children, have resulted in the closure of two vape stores.
VIP Vape and Vape Town, in Leigh Park, were both ordered to shut by Portsmouth Magistrates Court yesterday (December 17), where they will remain closed until the owner appears in court on December 31.
This comes after the Baffins and West Leigh Neighbourhood Team received multiple reports that the two shops were selling vapes to children, were in possession of illegal vapes and tobacco and failed to comply with licensing conditions.
As a result, the neighbourhood team has been working alongside the Trading Standards and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit to investigate the reports.
Sergeant Graham said: “We had a number of complaints from concerned parents about these shops, which helped us build a strong intelligence picture and take enforcement action with our key partners.
“We hope this reassures the public that their concerns are listened to and acted upon.”
More updates to follow.