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Mr. Vape, based on Station Road, had been reported for possessing counterfeit and illicit (non-tax paid) tobacco and cigarettes as well as illegal and oversized vapes, including their sale to juveniles/youths. 

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Team says the premises had also been accused of selling a Class-B drug, and during a search of the site in late 2025, a quantity of cannabis along with illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized.

During a hearing on 8th of January 2026, a District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved the 3-month closure of Mr. Vape, 42 Station Road, Port Talbot under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Current legislation only allows closure orders of up to 3 months.

At the hearing, an Officer from Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Team gave a brief history of the business, and the effect this illegal activity has on the local community. They also told the Judge the Council felt unless the shop was closed, the problems would not stop.

Despite being contacted and notified of the Council’s intention to apply for a closure order, the owner of the business did not attend the hearing.

The sale and supply of single use (disposable) vapes across the UK became illegal on June 1, 2025. This ban applies to all businesses, both online and in-store, regardless of whether the vapes contain nicotine. The rationale behind the ban is to address the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are often discarded improperly and contain harmful substances. The ban also aims to protect children and young people, as disposable vapes are seen as appealing to underage vapers. 

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips said: 

“Using the tools that are available to them Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.

“I would urge anyone who cares about their community and their children’s health to report any information they have relating to illegal tobacco or vape sales.”

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