Story Highlight
– Gurga Vape Shop ordered to close for three months.
– Council and police acted on public reports.
– Significant illegal tobacco and vape seizures made.
– First closure order for illicit tobacco sales in area.
– Authorities aim to prevent organized crime and health risks.
Full Story
Authorities in Barrow-in-Furness have taken decisive action against a local shop involved in the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products. This follows multiple reports from concerned members of the public regarding the activities of Gurga Vape Shop Ltd, which operates under the name Easy Shop located at 118 Church Street. On Monday, the Westmorland and Furness Council was granted a three-month closure order by the Magistrates Court, marking a significant step in curbing illegal trade in the area.
The enforcement action emerged from a coordinated effort involving both Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Trading Standards team at Westmorland and Furness Council. The closure order is a pioneering initiative in the region under anti-social behaviour legislation, specifically targeting businesses selling illicit tobacco and vaping products.
Sergeant Paul Holmes from the Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team voiced the importance of community involvement in this case. He stated, “This premises has repeatedly been observed failing test purchase operations and selling illicit goods.” He further expressed gratitude towards local residents for their vigilance, which enabled law enforcement and council officials to gather intelligence and take preventive measures against the sale of potentially hazardous products.
The issues surrounding Easy Shop trace back to May 2024, when it operated under the name C K Newspoint. Since then, the outlet has been subjected to numerous enforcement visits. Notably, in July 2024, Trading Standards conducted a search with a tobacco detection dog, uncovering a significant cache of illegal goods, including over 6,800 cigarettes, nearly five kilos of hand-rolling tobacco, and 196 vapes, all hidden beneath the floor of the establishment. The estimated street value of the seized items was around £28,000.
Subsequent investigations revealed that even after changing ownership and rebranding as Easy Shop in January 2025, the illicit activity continued. Further enforcement visits led to the discovery of more illegal tobacco products both within the shop and in vehicles associated with it. The situation escalated in February and April, when the establishment failed underage test purchase checks, with volunteers under the legal smoking age being sold vapes.
A more recent search earlier this month yielded even more illicit tobacco, with officials uncovering additional concealments, including materials hidden inside a waste pipe and encased within a brick wall. The persistent nature of these illegal activities prompted the Trading Standards team to seek a closure order as a protective measure for the local community.
Councillor John Murray, who serves as the Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services at Westmorland and Furness Council, commented on the significance of this enforcement action. He remarked, “This closure order sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products here in Westmorland and Furness.” He further emphasised that such products pose serious health risks to residents, disrupt legitimate businesses, and contribute to wider criminal operations. Councillor Murray expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Council and Cumbria Police, indicating that this operation sets a precedent for future enforcement initiatives in tackling illegal sales.
Residents and community members who have information regarding the illegal sale of tobacco or vaping products are encouraged to report their concerns. The Trading Standards team can be contacted through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133 or via their website at www.adviceguide.org.uk. This ongoing vigilance and collaborative effort between local authorities and the community are vital in maintaining lawful and safe business practices, protecting the welfare of residents, and promoting a fair trading environment.
This closure sends a clear message that illegal sales will not be tolerated and that enforcement will act to protect public health and legitimate businesses. Well done to those who reported concerns and to the agencies that carried out the investigation and secured the court order. Continued vigilance from the community and regular compliance checks by authorities are essential to prevent the return of illicit supply and to keep local trading standards and public safety upheld.
This closure sends a clear message that illegal sales of tobacco and vaping products will not be tolerated. Removing illicit stock from the local market protects public health and helps disrupt criminal activity. Continued vigilance from the public and swift enforcement by authorities are both essential to keep trading standards and community safety intact.
This closure sends a clear message that illegal sales of tobacco and vaping products will not be tolerated. Removing illicit stock protects public health and helps disrupt organised criminal activity. Ongoing community vigilance and robust enforcement are both essential to keep trading environments lawful and safe.
This closure is a necessary step to protect public health and cut off revenue streams that support organized crime. Continued enforcement and community reporting are vital, and local businesses must ensure they comply with tobacco and vape regulations to keep the market safe and legal.