Extended closure for two shops that sold illegal, harmful products

18 Dec 2025

The closures of two shops that sold illegal tobacco and vapes despite warnings from police and trading standards, have been extended by a further three months.

West Suffolk Council has successfully applied to Ipswich Magistrates Court for closure orders against three Newmarket shops in late September. It followed a joint operation between the council, Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk Police.

The orders, under section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was due to expire on 30 December meaning all three shops would be allowed to reopen.

But on Wednesday, the council, backed by Police Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs, was granted closure order extensions. It means The Newmarket Express in Wellington Street and the Orange Shop in Crown Walk will be closed for a further three months.

The council didn’t apply for a further order on the High Street New Market shop as the owner has engaged with the council to address the situation and intends to take vacant possession of the shop from 30 December.

Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, said: “The safety of our residents and visitors to West Suffolk is paramount. It is well known that many illegal vapes do not meet safety regulations and can contain higher levels of nicotine or other potentially harmful ingredients. Illegal tobacco can also contain harmful unregulated substances. Our message is clear - the sale of these harmful products will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our partners and do all within our collective power to protect our communities in Newmarket and across West Suffolk.”

Inspector Tim Scott said: “This was another example of great partnership working in response to ensuring we collectively protect the Newmarket community from illegal and harmful products. Local residents can also be reassured we will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to such activity.”

Cllr Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, said: “Illegal tobacco and vapes pose serious risks to health and undermine legitimate businesses while fuelling wider criminality. Suffolk Trading Standards continues to work closely with West Suffolk Council, Suffolk Police and HMRC to take decisive action against those who ignore the law and put profit above public safety.

“The extension of these closure orders sends a clear message that selling illegal goods will not be tolerated in Suffolk.

“This is an important step in protecting residents, particularly young people, from dangerous and unregulated products. I want to thank our officers and partners for their persistence and commitment to safeguarding our communities.”
 

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