Witham shop closed after selling vapes to children and illicit tobacco seizures
Yellow Express shuttered after investigation by trading standards and local council
A shop in Witham has been closed for three months after it was found to be selling illegal tobacco and vapes to children.
Yellow Express, located on Newland Street, has been shut down after Braintree District Council secured a closure order with support from Essex County Council’s Trading Standards, Essex Police, and Witham Town Council.
This action was taken following a joint investigation prompted by concerns over the sale of unregulated tobacco and vapes at the premises.
In the process leading to the closure, Trading Standards officials conducted multiple seizures of illicit tobacco and non-compliant vapes. The council said investigations revealed several instances where vapes had been sold to underage children.
Councillor Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, explained the rationale for the closure: "This was a serious and persistent case, and the court agreed that closing the premises was necessary to protect the public. This action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses putting our residents, particularly young people, at risk."
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council’s Reform UK Group, expressed satisfaction with the outcome: "We are committed to tackling the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes. We are pleased to see this three-month closure order in place."
Inspector Phil Jackson from Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasized the importance of public safety: "We take such behaviour very seriously. Our priority is keeping people safe and making sure our high streets are safe for people to shop and work."
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns about illegal tobacco and vape sales to Trading Standards.