A shop on Hainton Avenue, known as the ‘Orange’ shop, has been successfully closed for up to three months after being found to be repeatedly selling illegal tobacco products. The shop is also suspected of selling to children.
The closure followed a hearing at Grimsby Magistrates Court. Officers from Humberside Police and the Council’s Trading Standards Team discovered thousands of illegal items during a raid earlier in 2026. These included cigarettes and tobacco pouches with incorrect packaging, and vapes that breached legal limits.
Legitimate tobacco products should display the CE mark or UKCA kitemark, indicating they meet national safety standards. Seized illegal products have often tested positive for dangerous metals such as lead, nickel, chromium, and cadmium, and frequently contain excessively high levels of nicotine. The long-term health effects of these products remain unknown.
Crimestoppers UK highlights that vapes have been used to exploit vulnerable children, with products allegedly given to juveniles to coerce them into illegal activities. Additionally, cash-strapped families have been targeted to import contraband into the UK, thereby bringing criminals into local neighbourhoods.
North East Lincolnshire Council and its partners are committed to eradicating the sale of illegal tobacco products across the borough. They are urging the public to assist by providing crucial information through the ‘Keep It Out’ campaign and website, which allows for anonymous reporting and shares details on the wider issues surrounding illegal product sales.
The ‘Keep It Out’ initiative, initially launched by NHS trusts in the North East of England, offers an anonymous reporting facility. This enables the public to safely report suspected illegal tobacco and vape sales to their local councils and police forces. Further information is available at https://keep-it-out.co.uk/.
Councillor Nige Oliver, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing, and adult social care, stated: “Following the recent closure of Orange shop, the Council is keen to remove illegal tobacco and vape sales from streets across the borough permanently, but we need the help of our residents to highlight hotspots by reporting anonymously on Keep It Out.”
He added: “We are aware that the massive rise in the cost of living combined with the high number of smokers in deprived communities are potential factors driving up the sales of illegal products, but help is available for ‘quitters’ across North East Lincolnshire.”
“A range of nicotine replacement products can be provided to people looking to stop smoking, along with regular support and advice. Our friendly team is on hand to help you on your journey.” For more information, individuals can contact the team via https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/stop-smoking/.
