Multiple Tobacco Shops Closed in Queensland, Devon, Hertfordshire for Illegal Sales

Authorities in Australia and the UK are intensifying efforts to combat the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products through court-ordered closures of offending shops. In Queensland, six Hervey Bay stores were ordered to shut down for up to six months under new laws targeting illicit smoking product supply, following raids that uncovered hundreds of thousands of illicit cigarettes and vaping devices. Similarly, in the UK, multiple shops, including the Karina Store in Honiton and Royston Vape & Shop in Hertfordshire, received three-month closure orders after inspections found counterfeit tobacco, non-compliant vaping products, and evidence of underage sales. These enforcement actions are supported by local councils, police, and trading standards services, emphasizing community protection and disruption of criminal networks linked to illicit tobacco trade. Officials highlight that these closures not only protect public health but also send a strong message against illegal activities harming young people and legitimate businesses. The coordinated crackdowns reflect a broader crackdown on unlawful tobacco and vaping product sales to safeguard communities from health risks and criminal exploitation.