A shop repeatedly selling illegal tobacco products to adults, and suspected of selling to children, in the Hainton Avenue area was successfully closed last week. The closure has prompted a drive in support for a national website which encourages the public to report illegal sales to local authorities.
‘Orange’ shop on Hainton Avenue was issued with a closure notice following a hearing at Grimsby Magistrates Court, ruling that the shop must remain closed for up to three months. Raided earlier in 2026 by officers from Humberside Police and the Council’s Trading Standards Team, thousands of illegal items were discovered on the premises, including cigarettes and tobacco pouches with incorrect packaging and vapes breaching various legal limits.
Tobacco products should display the CE mark or UKCA kitemark, proving they meet national safety standards. Illegal products seized in raids have frequently tested positive for dangerous metals, including lead, nickel, chromium, and cadmium, and often contain seriously high levels of nicotine. The long-term impact of these products on health is not yet known.
Crimestoppers UK also notes that vapes have been used as tools to harm and exploit vulnerable children, the product being given to juveniles and young people to coerce them into illegal activities. Cash-strapped families have also been targeted to bring contraband into the UK from abroad, which in turn brings criminals into local neighbourhoods.
North East Lincolnshire Council and its partners are keen to wipe out the sale of illegal tobacco products across the borough but to do so, it needs the help of the public to provide much-needed information. The ‘Keep It Out’ campaign and website not only provides an opportunity for anonymous reporting, but it also shares details regarding the wider issues surrounding the sale of illegal products.
Started by NHS trusts in the North East of England, Keep It Out has an anonymous reporting facility, enabling the public to safely share suspected illegal tobacco and vape sales with councils and police in their area. To find out more, visit the website at: https://keep-it-out.co.uk/
Councillor Nige Oliver, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing, and adult social care, said:
“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.
“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, contact the team on: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/stop-smoking/
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