A vape shop in Gosport has been raided after it is believed to have been selling illegal vapes and tobacco.

Easy Vape on Gosport High Street has been visited by trading standards for a fifth time.

According to Gosport borough councillor Lesley Meenaghan, the shop is believed to be selling tobacco and cigarette products that are not for sale in the UK.

The councillor added: “This has got to be the fifth time Easy Vape have been raided.

“Easy Vape are believed to sell tobacco and cigarette products that are not for sale in the UK - this is an offence under HMRC not a criminal offence.

“Closure orders can be applied when ASB occurs linked to the premises or harm to public health is caused or likely.

“Residents are encouraged to report any incidents to trading standards.”

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From Sunday, June 1, businesses are banned from selling single-use disposable vapes after the government implemented a nationwide crackdown. 

The reasons behind this ban include a rise in the use of children using disposable vapes due to their appealing flavours, colourful designs, and ease of use.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Hampshire County Council Trading Standards, working in partnership with Hampshire and IOW Police, have visited a number of premises in Hampshire over the last month and seized quantities of illegal hand rolling tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes."

The authority added that it could not comment on the raid at Easy Vape in Gosport due to it being an 'ongoing investigation'.

“With the increase in vaping among young people, the long-term risks of vaping not being fully known, and the fact vaping nicotine products are addictive, we carry out measures to help protect teenagers, both through tough enforcement and by educating young people about the effects of vaping.

"If anyone suspects the illegal sale of vapes or any other tobacco products, they can report it to us."