Avah Market, in High Street, Orpington, was shut down following a lengthy investigation into the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, some of which were stored in nearby vehicles.
The closure order is the first of its kind in the borough, following approval from Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
A council spokesperson said: “We will not tolerate the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes, with the related health concerns well documented as well.
“The Trading Standards action to close this store in Orpington follows detailed investigation to both stop the sales and to gather the required action to take this legal action and we are grateful to the police for their support as well.
“Whilst it is the first time we have closed a shop in this way, it may not be the last time and others are warned that we will take action to prevent the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes, including to stop under age sales as well.”
The closure order followed Trading Standards officers seizing 140 packs of illegal tobacco and 245 illicit vapes from the premises.
The tobacco was found to be in non-standardised packaging, and the vapes were found to have tanks exceeding the legal limit of 2ml.
The health warnings on the majority of the seized vapes were also found to be non-compliant.
Residents and shoppers are being encouraged to report any concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes, as well as any information about underage sales of these or any other restricted products to Trading Standards, through the council’s website or by calling 0808 223 1133.
