A THURNSCOE vape shop has been issued with a three-month closure order after thousands of illegal cigarettes were discovered and workers failed a number of test-purchase operations.
Mr Blue Express, on Station Road, was issued with the closure order following a hearing at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.
It comes following a months-long investigation between Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police.
The Chronicle understands that on July 8, a vape was sold at the store to an undercover police cadet and on immediate search a total of 1,240 illegal cigs were found concealed under the counter area.
When a member of the Trading Standards team visited a month later, the shop once again failed a test-purchase.
A total of 1,300 illegal cigarettes and 15 pouches of hand rolling tobacco were found in September while in November a sniffer dog found even more illegal goods.
At a similar visit in November, an air tag was found in the concealed goods - often used to track the whereabouts of goods after they have been seized by authorities.
Staff subsequently found the a worker was living above the shop - despite it being a commerical-only property - and the living conditions were deemed ‘poor’.
Coun Sue Bellamy, who represents the Dearne North ward, told the Chronicle: “Dearne North councillors fully support the closure of this premises.
“The scale of illicit activity uncovered leaves no doubt that decisive action is required.
“The safety of our community must come first, and residents deserve to live in neighbourhoods free from illegal trade and the antisocial behaviour it brings.
“We welcome this enforcement action and will continue to back all efforts to protect our local area and uphold the law.”
Having reviewed the evidence, the District Judge found that the statutory threshold for a Closure Order had been met and that the order was necessary to prevent further offending.
As a result, all access to the premises is prohibited for a period of three months, except for authorised personnel as specified in the order.
Anyone found entering or remaining on the premises in breach of the Closure Order commits a criminal offence and may be arrested.
If convicted, they may face imprisonment and/or a fine.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “This Closure Order sends a clear message that Barnsley will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco or illegal vapes in our communities.
“These products are not only unlawful but deeply harmful, particularly when children and young people are being targeted and put at risk.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly over many months, carrying out test purchases, inspections, and multi-agency operations.
“Despite repeated warnings and significant seizures, this business continued to operate outside the law, using sophisticated hidden compartments to conceal illicit goods.
“The court’s decision shows just how seriously this behaviour is taken.
“I want to thank our dedicated colleagues in Legal Services and Regulatory Services for their swift and professional work in securing this Closure Order.
“Their efforts protect residents, support legitimate local businesses, and help us keep Barnsley a safe and healthy place for everyone.”(
