A shop on Tewkesbury High Street has been shut down following serious concerns about the sale of vapes to children and inappropriate behaviour by a member of staff. Following two failed test purchase operations in August, during which police cadets under the legal age were able to buy vapes, the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team gathered sufficient evidence to seek a closure order.
The order was granted by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 10 September, resulting in the premises being closed for three months until 9 December. In addition to the illegal sales, the court was informed of frequent reports of anti-social behaviour within and around the shop. More worryingly, there were accounts of an adult employee making comments of a sexual nature to children.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with these allegations. He has since been released on police bail with conditions that prohibit him from entering Tewkesbury as enquiries continue.
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Sergeant Emma Francis of the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said, “The community made it abundantly clear to us that they had significant concerns about this premises. Our test purchasing operations provided the evidence needed to obtain this closure order, which we believe will be a positive outcome for the area.
“It is important that children are protected from exposure to such environments where inappropriate behaviour has taken place alongside illegal sales. We urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in this ongoing investigation.”
Members of the public who have relevant information are encouraged to report it through the police’s online form, quoting occurrence number 53260077339.