Dunstable shop shut down for selling illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco
Wednesday, 16 July 2025
We've taken action to protect local residents by securing a closure order against a Dunstable shop that repeatedly sold illegal tobacco and vaping products.
Queensway News, located at 15 Queensway, Dunstable (LU5 4ET), has been ordered to close for 3 months after Luton Magistrate's Court granted the order on 15 July 2025. The closure order makes it a criminal offence to enter the premises during this period.
The action follows ongoing concerns from local residents and comes after the shop was previously prosecuted twice, in August and November 2024, for possession of illegal tobacco and vapes. W ith the help of sniffer dogs Ziggy and Billy on 9 July 2025, all seized items were ordered to be destroyed.
Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Public Protection, said:
Queensway News have repeatedly been caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes and I’m pleased we’ve been able to protect our residents, and other businesses. Illegal tobacco and vaping products not only present a health risk, but they also undermine legitimate businesses.
We’re grateful to the members of the public who came forward with information. Their support was vital in enabling us to take this action and keep our neighbourhoods safe.
Residents and businesses who suspect the sale of illegal or counterfeit tobacco or vaping products are encouraged to report it anonymously.