Court orders closure of Hartlepool shop after illegal tobacco and vapes sold

Magistrates have granted a premise closure order on a shop in Hartlepool after a trading standards investigation into the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.
By Madeleine Raine
Published 13th Apr 2024, 10:50 BST
Quidz In, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, has been forcibly closed for three months after selling illegal tobacco and vapes.Quidz In, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, has been forcibly closed for three months after selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
Quidz In, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, has been forcibly closed for three months after selling illegal tobacco and vapes.

Qwidz In, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, has been closed down for three months by Teesside Magistrates following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team.

The court also approved costs of £1,800.

Sylvia Pinkney, Hartlepool Borough Council’s assistant director of regulatory services, said: “This demonstrates how we are determined to clampdown on illegal activity such as this to protect members of the public and legitimate local businesses.

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“The supply of cheap counterfeit tobacco leads to many issues – it causes a nuisance to the local community, it makes it easier for children to obtain tobacco and it has a negative impact on local businesses trading legally who lose custom.”

If people see the order being breached they should call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Related topics:HartlepoolHartlepool Borough CouncilCleveland Police

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