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Cheshire and Greater Manchester Shut 30 Vape Shops

9/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Police and councils have shut more than 30 vape-shop premises linked to illegal sales.
Cheshire Police ordered closure of 12 shops in Warrington, Widnes, Macclesfield, Crewe and Nantwich.
Greater Manchester police seized £162,000 of illegal vapes during Operation Elswick.
Prime Minister announced councils can require permission for vape shops and extend closures up to 12 months.
ONS estimates 5.4 million UK adults aged 16+ use e-cigarettes daily.

History

Historical Context

The 2007 England indoor smoking ban, enforced by Environmental Health Officers and illustrated by Hamish Howitt’s 2007 prosecution, saw cigarette sales fall 11% in July 2007. That precedent underpins Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent move to let councils require shop licences as the Tobacco and Vapes Act phases in a 2027 ban on sales to anyone born after 2008, targeting the 5.4 million e-cigarette users.

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Story summary

Police and councils have shut more than 30 vape-shop premises linked to illegal sales.
Cheshire Police ordered closure of 12 shops in Warrington, Widnes, Macclesfield, Crewe and Nantwich.
Greater Manchester police seized £162,000 of illegal vapes during Operation Elswick.
Prime Minister announced councils can require permission for vape shops and extend closures up to 12 months.
ONS estimates 5.4 million UK adults aged 16+ use e-cigarettes daily.

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