A shop on Highgate in Kendal has been ordered to close for three months after court action over the sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes.
Barrow Magistrates’ Court granted a new closure order for One Stop on Tuesday, September 15, following investigations by Westmorland and Furness Council Trading Standards officers and Cumbria police. The court heard that illicit products had been concealed in purpose-built hiding places at the premises.
Investigations at the Kendal shop had been carried out since September 2025. They resulted in the seizure of 1,222 packets of cigarettes, 123 packets of hand-rolling tobacco and 716 vaping devices.
What the court order means
The new order requires One Stop on Highgate to remain closed for three months. Under current law, three months is the maximum period the council can ask the courts to impose for a closure order based on anti-social behaviour.
The Government is considering extending that maximum period to 12 months, but no such change has yet been confirmed in the information released about the Kendal case.
The closure was announced alongside action against another Cumbrian retailer. Carlisle Magistrates’ Court extended an existing closure order for European Mini Market on Market Square in Kirkby Stephen until December 23. That shop was originally closed in June.
Council warning over illegal sales
Westmorland and Furness Council said the Kirkby Stephen case had involved concerns that the shop’s trading practices were negatively affecting the community and that school-aged children were believed to be buying vapes. The headteacher of Kirkby Stephen Grammar School reported a noticeable improvement in pupil behaviour after the initial closure.
Councillor John Murray, the council’s cabinet member for transport and regulatory services, said the new orders would help protect consumers and communities. He warned that businesses selling illegal tobacco or non-compliant vapes would face enforcement action and said such outlets also undermine legitimate businesses selling approved products on which the correct duty and other taxes have been paid.
Residents who are concerned about the sale of illegal tobacco or underage sales are encouraged to report them to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133, or anonymously through Keep It Out.