Closure Order issued to Caernarfon Convenience Store

A Closure Order has been granted for the Caernarfon Convenience Store located on Bridge Street, Caernarfon, following the sale of nicotine vapes to a person under the age of 18, and the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit toys.

Following an investigation by Cyngor Gwynedd Trading Standards officers and support from North Wales Police, Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court granted the order on 5 May 2026. This means that the shop, which has been closed for a fortnight, will remain closed for a further six weeks under Court Order, until 23.59 on 15 June 2026.

It follows a Closure Notice served on 22 April 2026 by the Council’s Trading Standards team under Section 76 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 on the premises and the landlords of the shop at 3-5 Bridge Street, Caernarfon. This action, supported by North Wales Police was taken due to the sale of nicotine vapes to children, sale of illegal vapes as well as counterfeit and potentially unsafe toys, contributing to nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

Andrew Parry, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards (Public Protection) Manager said:

“All businesses have a legal responsibility to make sure that age-restricted products are sold safely and to check the age of customers.

“Selling nicotine vapes to children is illegal and highly harmful, and we have a duty to ensure that businesses act in accordance with their responsibilities.

“Whilst our officers always aim to engage positively with businesses to help them understand their responsibilities, there comes a point when we have no choice but to take legal action.

“I am grateful to the Trading Standards officers for their thorough investigation, but also to North Wales Police for their continued support and assistance. 

“It sends a clear message about our commitment to tackling the supply of illegal products in our communities and stopping the sale of an age restricted product to a child.

“We would urge members of the public to be vigilant about what they purchase and to avoid supporting any illicit trade that poses a genuine risk to our communities.”

During the investigative period, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards officers carried out a significant seizure of illicit vapes and counterfeit toys from the Caernarfon Convenience Store. The Council worked closely with partner agencies including Environmental Health, National Trading Standards and North Wales Police, with several successful test purchases confirming the sale of an age restricted product, namely a vape, to a minor.

Following this coordinated effort, the business will now be closed for a further six weeks, and Trading Standards officers along with partners will continue to monitor the premises and any other business that break the law.

Illegal vapes can be seriously harmful. They often contain nicotine strengths above legal limits, and may also contain illegal, potentially harmful chemicals. Because these products do not meet required safety standards, users risk exposure to unsafe levels of metals such as nickel, lead and chromium and other harmful substances.

Gwynedd’s dedicated Trading Standards team uses a range of investigative methods, including detection dogs, to uncover concealed products — a clear indication that operators are fully aware of their illegal activities. Close partnership working within and beyond the Council remains essential in tackling this growing issue.

Members of the public in Gwynedd who have any information about people who they believe may be engaged in illegal trading activities or anyone who they believe may be a victim of such activity, are urged to contact Cyngor Gwynedd’s Trading Standards team www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/tradingstandards