Vape Zone in St John Street, Lichfield, has been forced to close for the second time in six months after council and police officers discovered illegal tobacco and food products during a raid on June 29. The shop, located near the junction with Wade Street, was selling imported food containing Red 40 (Allura Red E129) without the statutory warning: 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'
Seizure and closure order
Officers from Lichfield District Council's environmental health team, Staffordshire County Council trading standards, and Lichfield Police seized 2,261 illegal cigarettes, 0.85kg of hand rolling tobacco, and the non-compliant food products. Cannock Magistrates' Court granted a three-month closure order with immediate effect on July 1, the maximum currently allowed.
Previous closure and rebranding
The same premises, previously operating as 'Mini Market', had been shut under a three-month closure order from January 30 to April 30, 2026. During that raid, 11,080 illicit cigarettes and 3.3kg of hand rolling tobacco worth £6,668 were seized. The business reopened on April 30 under the new name Vape Zone.
Officials call for stronger penalties
Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council's public protection boss, said: 'We will not tolerate shops selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco in Lichfield District and want them closed for good. The products they sell are a risk to public health and are often linked to other criminal activity. This is the second time these premises have been closed for the maximum period allowed under current legislation. We are calling for stronger legal penalties to be introduced as soon as possible to help us stop this criminal activity.'
Staffordshire County Council community safety chief Councillor Anthony Screen added: 'The closure of this vape shop for a second time, following their previous closure and reopening, is a significant step in our ongoing work to tackle businesses involved in illegal activity. Through our close partnership with Staffordshire Police and district and borough councils, we are taking tough action against those linked to the sale of illicit goods and other criminality. Illegal and non-compliant vapes and tobacco can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, while undermining legitimate local businesses that operate within the law. This action sends a clear message that unlawful activity will not be tolerated on our high streets. We will continue to use every available power to disrupt criminal behaviour, safeguard residents and support safe, thriving town centres.'
