Zany shop located on Commercial Street in Aberdare was forced to close for three-month following a hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates court.

Following the seizure of illegal tobacco products and more than 500 disposable vapes, which were not compliant with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, the premises was shut down.

A group of children were observed  purchasing vapes and tobacco products in the local area, which in turn resulted in anti-social behaviour that prompted the investigation.

The investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council trading standards found the sale of counterfeit tobacco products and disposable vapes to children.

According to the Council’s trading standards officers, the business had been provided with advice by officers from the council’s trading standards department but continued to operate illegally.

After the court case Louise Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Public Health, said:

“We will look to take similar action against any other premises within our County Borough that trades in illegal goods and sells age-restricted products to children.”

“The law is there to protect the public, but on this occasion, the business owner and shop workers showed a total disregard for the Local Authority, South Wales Police and the wider community.”

By sending a clear message to local businesses, Merthyr Tydfil Council hopes to curb the sale of illegal tobacco products within the local community.