An Aberdare vape shop has been ordered to close immediately following a successful investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team into the illegal sale of vaping and tobacco products.
AVB (ABER) Limited, trading as Best Vape at 34 Victoria Square, Aberdare, was issued with a three-month Closure Order on 24 June 2026 under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Closure Order was granted at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court following an extensive investigation into the illegal sale of vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco products from the premises.
Trading Standards said the action sends a clear message that the illegal supply of vapes and tobacco products will not be tolerated across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
During the investigation, officers received 12 complaints about the business, including five reports alleging the sale of vapes to underage children. A further five intelligence reports were also received from partner agencies.
The premises was visited on numerous occasions by Trading Standards officers. Illegal vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco products were seized on two separate visits, while fake Labubu dolls were voluntarily surrendered during another inspection.
Officers also carried out eight test purchases at the store, with illegal cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco products being supplied on every occasion.
Despite receiving advice and guidance from Trading Standards about its legal responsibilities, the business continued to trade illegally.
The court heard that the sale of low-cost illegal tobacco products was having a detrimental impact on the local community and legitimate businesses. It also noted that the continued illegal activity had required a disproportionate amount of enforcement resources.
As a result, the store must remain closed for three months.
The investigation formed part of the council’s ongoing work to tackle the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products alongside partners including South Wales Police and national agencies where appropriate.
Trading Standards warned that illegal vapes can contain nicotine levels above legal limits and may include harmful substances that have not undergone the safety checks required for legal products. Illegal tobacco products also avoid important safety and packaging regulations and are often linked to wider criminal activity.
Rhian Hope, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Public Protection, said:
“This Closure Order demonstrates our commitment to tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Despite repeated intervention, advice and enforcement action from our Trading Standards team, this business continued to engage in illegal activity. The evidence presented to the court clearly demonstrated the scale and persistence of the offending.
“The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products undermines legitimate businesses, poses risks to public health, and can contribute to wider criminality within our communities.
“I would like to thank all of the officers and partner agencies involved in this investigation. Their dedication and persistence have resulted in decisive action being taken to protect the local community and sends a clear message that illegal traders will be held accountable.
“Trading Standards will continue to take robust action against businesses that break the law, and we encourage members of the public to report any concerns about illegal trading activity.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said its dedicated Trading Standards team uses a range of enforcement techniques to identify businesses supplying illegal products, working closely with partners at local, regional and national level.
Members of the public with information about suspected illegal trading activities are encouraged to report their concerns directly to Trading Standards using the Illegal Activity Online Form.
