Chester shops ordered to close for two years after tobacco raids

Eleanor Hughes Author 2026-05-21 13:13 3 min read

A man in a black jacket walking past closed grey metal security shutters on a city street.

Contents

Reader context
Detection dogs uncover thousands of illicit cigarettes
Multi-agency strategy to dismantle illegal trade networks
Impact on the local Chester economy

Two Chester retail premises have been ordered to remain closed until August 2026 following a coordinated multi-agency crackdown on the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes. The enforcement action, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards team, resulted in the seizure of thousands of illicit products destined for local shelves.

Following a successful application at court, closure orders were served to Local Station Off Licence at 131 Brook Street and Easy Go Vape at 17a Delamere Street. Both businesses are now legally required to cease trading for a period of two years, with the orders set to expire on 18 August 2026.

Reader context

Locations affected: Brook Street and Delamere Street in Chester.
Seized items: 11,040 cigarettes and 2.6kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco.
Closure duration: Two years, ending in late summer 2026.
Agencies involved: Trading Standards, Cheshire Police, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Detection dogs uncover thousands of illicit cigarettes

The investigation reached a turning point during coordinated inspections earlier this month. Authorities deployed a specialist detection dog trained to locate tobacco products hidden in unconventional spaces. This search uncovered a significant haul, including over 11,000 cigarettes and several kilograms of tobacco that did not meet UK legal requirements for packaging or tax compliance.

These seizures reflect a growing trend of clandestine storage methods similar to those found when Liverpool shops shut down after hidden tobacco walls were discovered by enforcement officers. The use of sophisticated hides—often controlled by electronic magnets or hidden behind false panels—has become a common challenge for Trading Standards teams across the North West.

Chester shops ordered to close for two years after tobacco raids

Multi-agency strategy to dismantle illegal trade networks

The operation was not limited to local council officers. Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service played central roles in the inspections. Fire safety is a particular concern with illegal tobacco; unregulated cigarettes often lack the “reduced ignition propensity” features required by law, which ensure a cigarette self-extinguishes if left unattended. This makes illicit products a significant fire hazard in residential areas.

Council officials stated that closure orders are a necessary tool when evidence suggests ongoing illegal activity. By shutting the premises entirely, the local authority aims to disrupt the supply chain of organised crime groups that often oversee the distribution of these products. This enforcement is part of a wider regional effort to protect the public, aligning with initiatives such as the new smoke-free generation laws being implemented in nearby areas like Wigan.

Impact on the local Chester economy

Beyond the immediate health and safety risks, the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco places legitimate local businesses at a severe disadvantage. Retailers who follow the law, pay relevant taxes, and verify the age of their customers cannot compete with the deflated prices offered by those trading in illicit goods.

Authorities have emphasized that illegal vapes are often designed to appeal to minors, with bright packaging and high nicotine concentrations that exceed UK legal limits. The closure of Easy Go Vape on Delamere Street specifically addresses concerns regarding youth access to these harmful products.

Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed that they will continue to monitor retail activity across Chester and Neston. Residents who have information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes are encouraged to report their concerns anonymously through the official Trading Standards channels.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council