A Chadwell Heath store has been ordered to close for two months after years of enforcement action linked to the sale of illicit tobacco and non-compliant vapes.

Chadwell Store Mini Market on Station Road, Chadwell Heath was issued with a Closure Order following an application by Barking and Dagenham Council. The court also ordered the business to pay £2,000 in costs. 

The shop has been visited by council officers on multiple occasions since 2023, with illicit cigarettes and non-compliant vapes found during almost every inspection. Despite a change of director in January 2026, investigations found that illegal activity continued.

Recent test purchase operations revealed the sale of illicit cigarettes was still taking place, prompting the council to seek a Closure Order.

A Closure Order was initially granted at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 12 June 2026, however the premises was closed from 10 June 2026. The case was later re-opened and returned to court for a further hearing before the closure order was upheld.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "This business had numerous opportunities to comply with the law but continued to sell illicit products. This outcome sends a clear message that we will take robust action against businesses that repeatedly undermine legitimate traders and put our communities at risk."

The Closure forms part of the council's ongoing work to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco and non-compliant vaping products, protect public health and support responsible local businesses.