A One Stop shop at 44 Highgate in Kendal has been ordered to close for three months after Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards found illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products during a series of inspections.
Barrow Magistrates’ Court granted the Closure Order on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The case followed multiple inspections carried out by Trading Standards officers since September 2025, during which illicit products were found concealed in purpose-built hiding places inside the premises.
Products seized during inspections
Officers seized 1,222 packets of cigarettes, 123 packets of hand-rolling tobacco and 716 vaping devices during the investigations.
Evidence presented to the court was said to show a persistent pattern of illegal activity at the Highgate premises, despite previous enforcement action. The court was satisfied that the continued use of the shop was associated with criminal activity and that closing it was necessary to prevent further offending.
The closure is part of intelligence-led operations by Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards, working with Cumbria Police to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products that do not comply with legal requirements across the area.
Separate shop closure extended in Kirkby Stephen
The council announced the Kendal case alongside a separate court action involving European Mini Market in Market Square, Kirkby Stephen.
On Monday 14 September, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court granted a three-month extension to an existing Closure Order for the shop. The extension means European Mini Market will remain closed until 23 December 2026.
At the original hearing, the court was told that the shop’s trading practices were having a detrimental impact on the local community. School-aged children were regularly attending the premises and were believed to be purchasing vaping products.
The court also heard that the headteacher of Kirkby Stephen Grammar School had reported a noticeable improvement in pupil behaviour after the original Closure Order was granted on 24 June 2026.
How residents can report suspected sales
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said: These new court orders are a welcome step in protecting consumers and keeping our communities safe.
He said anyone selling illegal tobacco or non-compliant vapes was on notice that the council would work with partner agencies and take robust enforcement action. The council said such outlets can put people at risk and undermine legitimate businesses selling approved products on which the correct duty and other taxes have been paid.
Residents who suspect the sale of illegal tobacco, illicit vapes or products to underage customers can report their concerns to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or online through Citizens Advice.
Information can also be supplied anonymously through Keep It Out, which allows people to report the sale, storage or distribution of illegal tobacco and vapes in confidence.
Closure Orders made under antisocial behaviour legislation are currently limited to three months by law. The council said this is the maximum period it can ask courts to impose, while the Government is considering extending the maximum period to 12 months.