Five shops across the borough have been ordered to close following ongoing concerns by the council’s Trading Standards team about the continued sale of illicit tobacco products.
The news follows earlier legal and enforcement work in 2024 and 2025, including the seizure of illicit tobacco products and raids on retail premises in partnership with the Police. Work to protect residents and consumers from purchasing illicit tobacco products, including vapes, is continuing with the closure orders part of the council’s approach.
The independent retailers, who were previously warned about the council’s intention to seek a closure order, are being served with closure orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The landlords of these premises are also being contacted.
The shops, which are located in Penge, Bromley and Orpington are the latest businesses where Bromley Trading Standards have continued concerns about the ongoing sales of illicit tobacco products:
- High Street Vape at 225 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NZ
- Easy Shop 242 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0LZ
- Blue Mini Market at 72 Cotmandene Crescent, (Haverstock Court) Orpington, BR5 2RE
- Puff and Munch 185 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NN
- One of One 123a High Street, Penge, SE20 7DS
A council spokesperson said, “We remain committed to taking action to protect residents from illegal goods that often also pose serious safety and health risks. We are grateful as well to residents who have also taken the time to report concerns about specific retailers. Although we can’t always share details while investigations are ongoing, every report is followed up, and we will use our test‑purchase powers whenever required.”
In three of the five stores, the council’s food safety team also seized food items such as crisps, confectionary and soft drinks which failed to meet the UK food labelling regulations, and some of the food products contained food additives not permitted for use in the UK. In all three stores, Puff and Munch store, Bromley, One of One store, Penge and Easy Shop in Orpington all of the food items failed to comply with food labelling regulations and some of the products contained food additives not permitted for use in the UK.
Only named habitual residents and authorised individuals are now permitted to enter the premises. Anyone else found inside is committing a criminal offence and could face up to 51 weeks in prison and/or a fine.
Ends
Editor’s note: The orders, which were granted by Bromley Magistrates' Court remain in place for 3 months, till the end of July.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7679 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk