Magistrates reject police bid to close York vape shop

North Yorkshire Police wanted York magistrates to order that 4th Avenue Shop in Tang Hall remain closed for three months.

Julie Dalzell, for the force, claimed that the shop was selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco at cut price sales, that there was a risk to children and that girls had been subjected to unwelcome attention from staff.

The allegations were opposed by solicitor Kashif Khan, speaking on behalf of the shop which is owned by Mohammed Latif Ahmad.

He said the shop and its staff denied the allegations and that the police case only amounted to suspicions, not evidence.

“You cannot go on suspicion to close a man’s business and his livelihood for any period of time, let alone three months,” he told the court.

Magistrates agreed and rejected the application for a closure order.

The closure notice fastened by police to the shop on Wednesday (Image: Newsquest staff)

The shop, which had been closed under a temporary closure notice on Wednesday, can now reopen.

Ms Dalzell claimed that the authorities had made test purchases in September 2025 and on September 19, and received tobacco and cigarettes that did not comply with the law.

She alleged that trading standards officers on October 25 had found 25 pouches of illegal tobacco and 104 packets of illegal cigarettes concealed on the shop premises.

Mr Khan said Mr Ahmad had only taken over the shop in November 2025 and that there was no evidence before the court about the illegal nature of the tobacco and cigarettes.

He said no hidden illegal tobacco and cigarettes had been found on Wednesday’s raid.

Police in Tang Hall on Wednesday (September 23) (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Dalzell alleged that on Wednesday a member of staff had given his keys to a vehicle in which police had found illegal products.

The claim was disputed by Mr Khan who said the vehicle was unconnected to the shop and no staff member had handed over their keys.

Ms Dalzell claimed there was risk of exploitation of children through the shop’s activities because a school was nearby.

“There are reports as well of young girls being subjected to abuse and potentially harassment as a result of people working at the premises,” she alleged.

Mr Khan said the police had not produced evidence to support their claims and magistrates should totally disregard a particular police statement put before them because of what he said were problems with the way it had been composed.