An indoor market in Weston-super-Mare has been forced to close for three months after drugs and weapons were found on the premises. A closure order granted by North Somerset Magistrates Court yesterday (March 8) means that Mini Mall can not open until May.
Owners of the troubled shop have also been accused of selling vapes to kids. Avon and Somerset Police issued a warning along with Trading Standards South West about the spread of vape pens to kids after numerous complaints.
The statement describes them as "low-cost flavoured e-cigarettes that are child-appealing". The pens are being obtained by children, "despite the law restricting their sales to over-18s only."
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The warning continues: "Trading Standards is becoming increasingly concerned about these disposable vapes and their popularity amongst school-aged children who shouldn't have access to them. Nicotine is highly addictive, and minors should NOT be exposed to it or be experimenting with its use."
It is also "a criminal offence [to sell] these devices to under-18s" or to purchase them on behalf of under-18s, it advises. Separately, there are also concerns around the packaging, batteries, and liquid and their effects on the environment if not disposed of correctly.
Weston-super-Mare and Worle Neighbourhood Policing Team described the closure order as "a great result for the Weston town centre team, North Somerset Trading Standards and the South West Illegal Tobacco team."
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Photos from outside the store show the venue boarded up and padlocked to prevent anyone from entering. On top of that, the closure notice has been pinned to the doors.
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