Court orders Keynsham shop closure as vapes seized

KEYNSHAM Mini Market in the High Street has been ordered to shut for three months after the seizure of illegal vapes and tobacco.

The closure order follows a large number of complaints being received and investigations undertaken into activities at the premises, which were found to be contributing to anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order was granted by Bath Magistrates Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s trading standards team presented evidence of criminal behaviour and nuisance and/or disorder associated with the premises, in particular the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco.

The court was satisfied that the closure order was necessary to prevent further nuisance and disorder, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the local community.

For the period of closure, only those who are named residents and authorised persons are permitted to enter the premises.

Previous multi-agency visits to the premises – by the council, Avon and Somerset Police, Trading Standards South West and detection dogs trained to sniff out tobacco and vapes – resulted in more than 1,000 illegal vapes, and more than 300 illegal tobacco products being seized.

Councillor Tim Ball, B&NES Council cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Our trading standards team have been working very hard to tackle illegal vapes in our area.

“This closure order is an excellent result and demonstrates that the council responds to community concerns and is committed to safeguarding our residents in order to protect them from harm.

“Thank you to our partners who supported us with this outcome.”