Luton Borough Council

28/08/2025 - Closure of premises due to illegal vape sales

A Luton shop caught repeatedly selling illegal vapes has been ordered to close for three months following action from Luton Trading Standards.

On 13 August 2025, Luton Vape, located on Wellington Street, was ordered to close for three months by Luton Magistrates. The court heard that, since September 2023, illegal vapes had been sold on numerous occasions, including to children, and they continued to do so in spite of multiple warnings. The business was also ordered to pay £1,260 in costs.

Councillor Maria Lovell, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards, said: “The sale of illegal vapes present a serious threat to the safety of our community. Our Trading Standards team continue to do a fantastic job of rooting out businesses that intentionally violate the law. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will use the full extent of the law to keep our residents safe.”

Luton Trading Standards are continuing to clamp down on the sale of illegal vapes in Luton, seizing over 19,000 vapes so far. Illegal vaping devices are more dangerous than their regulated counterparts as they contain chemicals that are banned in this country and are harmful to health. Vaping devices are regulated by the government to control the amount of nicotine available and have to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Anyone with information on premises and individuals selling and storing illicit cigarettes, tobacco, shisha and vape pens in Luton either from a shop, online or from a domestic premises or vehicle can report it in confidence.