A shop in Wavertree has been ordered to close for three months following a Liverpool City Council investigation that uncovered persistent illegal sales of unregulated vapes and cigarettes. A court hearing on September 18, 2025, resulted in the maximum closure period for The Corner Shop on Picton Road, and the owner was ordered to pay costs exceeding £3,700.
Key Takeaways
- The Corner Shop on Picton Road, Wavertree, has been closed for three months by court order.
- The owner is required to pay £3,726 in legal costs.
- Investigators found illegal tobacco hidden in the owner's car and illicit vapes on the premises.
- The action follows a series of warnings, a previous two-month closure, and continued sales to underage customers.
Court Imposes Maximum Closure Period
A magistrates' court has mandated the closure of The Corner Shop for a period of three months, the maximum duration allowed by law. The decision was made on Thursday, September 18, after evidence presented by the council's Public Protection Team (PPT) detailed a consistent pattern of illegal activity.
In addition to the closure, the shop's owner was ordered to pay £3,726 to cover the council's costs. The court's ruling follows an undercover operation that confirmed the ongoing sale of illicit goods, despite numerous interventions by authorities.
Legal Framework for Vapes and Tobacco
UK regulations are specific about vaping products. E-cigarette tanks are restricted to a capacity of 2ml, which provides about 600 puffs. Furthermore, the maximum volume for a single refill container of nicotine-containing e-liquid is 10ml. Earlier this year, the government also enacted a ban on all single-use vapes, a measure aimed at reducing youth vaping and environmental waste.
Investigation Uncovers Hidden Illicit Stock
The council's enforcement action was triggered by a sustained investigation into the activities at the Picton Road premises. Concerns were first raised in early 2024 when reports indicated the shop was selling unregulated cigarettes.
During a recent inspection in September 2025, an undercover team successfully purchased illicit items. A subsequent search revealed a significant quantity of illegal goods. Non-compliant single-use vapes were found within the shop, while a larger stash of unregulated cigarettes and tobacco was discovered concealed in the boot of the owner's car.
This discovery was a critical piece of evidence presented in court, demonstrating a deliberate attempt to hide and continue the illegal trade.
A History of Warnings and Prior Offences
The three-month closure is the culmination of a long-running effort by Liverpool City Council to stop the illegal trade at The Corner Shop. The business has a documented history of non-compliance.
Previous Closure and Continued Defiance
The Public Protection Team first secured a closure order against the shop on September 19, 2024, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This resulted in a two-month shutdown and costs of £1,200 for the owner at the time.
However, just one month after reopening in December 2024, investigators found that the sale of illicit cigarettes and vapes had resumed. The owner was issued another formal warning.
Changes in Management Fail to Stop Illegal Sales
Authorities noted several changes in the shop's ownership. A visit in April 2025 identified new management, who were advised on their legal responsibilities. Despite this, reports of illegal sales continued to be received by the council.
When the most recent closure notice was served in early September 2025, it was revealed that ownership had changed yet again in June. The new owner denied any wrongdoing, but the undercover purchases by the PPT proved otherwise. During this period, inspections also confirmed that vapes were being sold to underage customers without age verification, and one staff member was found to have no legal right to work in the UK.
Timeline of Enforcement Actions
- Early 2024: Initial reports of illegal cigarette sales.
- September 2024: First closure order (2 months) and £1,200 in costs.
- December 2024: Shop reopens; illegal sales resume immediately.
- April 2025: New management advised on legal compliance.
- September 2025: Undercover buys confirm ongoing sales; illicit stock found in owner's car.
- September 18, 2025: Court orders maximum 3-month closure and £3,726 in costs.
Council Vows to Protect Public Safety
Council officials have spoken out about the case, emphasizing their commitment to protecting residents, particularly young people, from the dangers of unregulated products.
"This persistent disregard for the law is completely unacceptable. Repeated warnings were ignored and when businesses continue to put profit before public safety, we will take firm action to protect residents. This closure sends a clear message: we will not tolerate businesses who flout the rules."
The health risks associated with these illegal products were also highlighted as a primary concern for the local authority.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, added: "Unregulated cigarettes and vapes can contain harmful and banned ingredients that present a real danger to the health of our communities, particularly to children and young people."
He also advised consumers on safer practices. "While genuine vapes can be a helpful tool for people trying to stop smoking, they must be bought from reputable retailers," he stated. "We will continue to act decisively to remove unsafe products from our streets and to support measures that reduce smoking-related harm across the city."