A Valley store has been issued with a three-month closure order following a hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court.
Zany Shop, located at 19A Commercial Street, Aberdare, CF44 7RW was issued with a closure order on November 2, 2022, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
It follows a successful investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards department for the sale of counterfeit tobacco products and disposable vapes to children.
Illegal tobacco products were seized from the town centre premise on three separate occasions and more than 500 disposable vapes that were not compliant with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 were removed from sale.
The regulations introduced rules which ensure minimum standards for the safety and quality of all e-cigarettes and refill containers. Information is provided to consumers so that they can make informed choices and create an environment that protects children from using these products.
The business had been provided with advice by the Council’s Trading Standards officers but continued to trade illegally.
Magistrates heard that large groups of children had been visiting the area to purchase vapes and tobacco products, resulting in an increase in nuisance and anti-social behaviour in the locality.
Louise Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Service, speaking after the court case, said: “Once again, the Council has concluded a successful investigation against a Rhondda Cynon Taf business owner following information received.
“The law is there to protect the public, but on this occasion the business owner and shop workers showed a total disregard for the Local Authority, South Wales Police and the wider community.
“The premise was having a detrimental effect on the local community and a disproportionate number of resources was spent on this premise because of the continued illegal activity and nuisance.
“We will look to take similar action against any other premises within our County Borough that trades in illegal goods and sells age-restricted products to children.”
Posted on 10/11/2022