An ABERDARE store has been forced to CLOSE with immediate effect following a successful investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team.
AVB (ABER) Limited, trading as Best Vape, located at 34 Victoria Square, Aberdare, CF44 7LB, was issued with a THREE-MONTH Closure Order on 24th June 2026 under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Closure Order was granted at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court following an extensive investigation into the illegal sale of vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco products from the premises.
The action aims to send a clear message to businesses across Rhondda Cynon Taf that the illegal supply of vapes and tobacco products will not be tolerated.
Over the course of the investigation, Trading Standards officers received TWELVE complaints relating to the premises, including FIVE reports alleging the sale of vapes to underage children. A further FIVE intelligence reports were received from partner agencies.
The premises had also been subject to numerous enforcement visits. Illegal vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco products were seized on TWO separate occasions, while fake Labubu dolls were also voluntarily surrendered during another visit.
Trading Standards officers carried out EIGHT test purchases at the premises, with illegal cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco products being supplied on EVERY occasion.
Despite receiving advice and guidance from Trading Standards officers regarding its legal obligations, the business continued to trade illegally.
The court heard that the sale of low-cost illegal tobacco products was having a detrimental impact on the local community and legitimate businesses. It was also noted that a disproportionate amount of enforcement resources had been required due to the continued illegal activity at the premises.
As a result, the store has now been closed and must remain shut for a total of THREE months.
The investigation formed part of the Council's ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products, working alongside partners including South Wales Police and national agencies where appropriate.
Illegal vapes can contain nicotine levels that exceed legal limits and may contain harmful substances that have not been subject to the rigorous safety checks required for legal products. Likewise, illegal tobacco products avoid important safety and packaging regulations and often form part of wider criminal activity.
This latest closure demonstrates that Trading Standards officers are actively monitoring businesses across the County Borough and WILL take action where illegal activity is identified.
Rhian Hope, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Director of Public Protection, said:
"This Closure Order demonstrates our commitment to tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
"Despite repeated intervention, advice and enforcement action from our Trading Standards team, this business continued to engage in illegal activity. The evidence presented to the court clearly demonstrated the scale and persistence of the offending.
"The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products undermines legitimate businesses, poses risks to public health, and can contribute to wider criminality within our communities.
"I would like to thank all of the officers and partner agencies involved in this investigation. Their dedication and persistence have resulted in decisive action being taken to protect the local community and sends a clear message that illegal traders will be held accountable.
"Trading Standards will continue to take robust action against businesses that break the law, and we encourage members of the public to report any concerns about illegal trading activity."
The dedicated Trading Standards team in Rhondda Cynon Taf employs a range of enforcement techniques to identify businesses supplying illegal products, working closely with partners at a local, regional and national level.
If members of the public have any information about people who they believe may be engaged in illegal trading activities, they can report their concerns directly to Trading Standards using the Illegal Activity Online Form.
For further information, please visit our Trading Standards web page
Posted on 28/07/2026