Bedford shop closed for three months over illegal tobacco and vape sales

Tavistock Street Mini Market in Bedford has been ordered to close for three months following repeated sales of illegal tobacco and vape products. Bedford Borough Council’s Trading Standards Officers led the investigation, supported by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Bedfordshire Police.

A closure notice was served at the shop on Wednesday 17 September, and a District Judge at Luton Magistrates’ Court formally granted the closure order the following day. During this period, the shop is prohibited from trading and entry without prior permission from authorities is a criminal offence, carrying fines or up to 51 weeks in prison.

The investigation uncovered significant criminal activity, despite previous warnings.

A visit on 14 August resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 illegal cigarettes and around 100 single-use vapes – products banned in the UK from 1 June 2025. Officers also destroyed two vehicles linked to storing these items. Specialist tobacco detection dogs uncovered a hidden compartment within the shop counter used to conceal stock.

Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said:

Illegal tobacco and vape sales threaten public health, damage legitimate businesses, and are frequently linked to wider criminal activities. Bedford Borough Council is fully committed to taking strong, decisive action to protect our community. This closure order clearly demonstrates our determination to maintain a safe and fair trading environment for everyone.

The closure is part of Operation CeCe, a National Trading Standards initiative targeting the illegal tobacco trade across the UK. Bedford Borough Council urges members of the public to report suspected illegal sales to help protect the community.

For more information on reporting illegal tobacco or vape products, visit Bedford Borough Council’s Trading Standards pages.