Closure order issued for vape shop

A vape shop in Weymouth has been ordered to close following action taken by the local authority.

The Blue Shop, located at 8A Coburg Place on St Thomas Street, was served with a closure notice on Monday under Section 76 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The premises has remained shut since the notice was issued.

A notice displayed on the shop’s entrance, signed by Graham Duggan, Head of Regulatory Services at Dorset Council, states that the council is seeking a Closure Order after concluding there are reasonable grounds to believe the use of the premises has caused, or is likely to cause, nuisance to members of the public. The notice also cites concerns about actual or potential disorder in the vicinity linked to the premises.

The notice explains that the proposed action is intended to prevent further nuisance or disorder from continuing or recurring. It adds that full details of the allegations are set out in the council’s application for a Closure Order.

Under the terms of the notice, access to the premises is prohibited by law to anyone other than the owner or those who normally reside there. Failure to comply could result in prosecution, carrying a possible custodial sentence of up to 51 weeks, a fine, or both.