North Devon vape shop shut down after illegal tobacco and alleged ‘spice vapes’ sold

A Bideford shop has been ordered to close for three months by Trading Standards for selling illegal tobacco.

Devon Mini Market on Mill Street was first visited by officers from Heart of the South West Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police in October 2025 following concerns that illegal tobacco was being sold.

There were also alleged reports of tobacco and vapes being sold to under 18s, and that two children had become unwell after vaping.

It’s suspected the vapes contained spice, a Class B synthetic cannabinoid drug.

During the investigation, £3,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes were found in a car linked to the shop, 

However, despite the illegal products and car being seized, the illegal trade continued and last month (February) a test purchase confirmed illegal tobacco was still being sold.

READ NEXT: Devon councils unite in bid to ban the sale of tobacco to future generations

On Sunday (March 22), trading standards officers and police served a 48‑hour closure notice and found more illegal tobacco products in a storeroom.

On Tuesday (March 24) Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court granted a three‑month closure order for Devon Mini Market.

Magistrates said they were ‘satisfied’ the closure was necessary to prevent further criminal activity linked to the sale of illegal tobacco and underage sales.

Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “This was a serious and persistent case and the court agreed that closing the premises was necessary to protect the public.

“Illegal tobacco and dangerous vapes pose real risks, particularly to young people. In this case, children were physically ill because of the additives, which we suspect was spice, which can cause mental health issues.

"We will not hesitate to take firm action against retailers who repeatedly break the law and put communities at risk.”

Alex Fry, operations manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards said: “This closure sends a clear message that this kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated in Devon.

“We continue to work closely with police to target illegal tobacco and vape sales, protect public health and support legitimate businesses that trade responsibly.”

READ NEXT: Government imposes ban on disposable vapes to protect children's health