Skegness shop ordered to close after illegal cigarettes found hidden behind tiled wall

A shop in Skegness has been ordered to close for three months after illegal cigarettes were reportedly discovered concealed behind a tiled wall during a Trading Standards raid.

Easy Shop & Vape Shop, at 5A Lumley Road in Skegness, was one of three Lincolnshire businesses handed closure orders following action by Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court issued the three-month closure orders on Wednesday, September 9, which is currently the maximum period allowed by law.

The other premises affected are at 28 Aswell Street in Louth and PoundPlus on West Street in Boston.

Illegal cigarettes allegedly hidden behind wall in Skegness shop

According to Lincolnshire County Council, officers discovered illegal cigarettes hidden behind a tiled wall at the Lumley Road premises in Skegness.

The products were uncovered during enforcement raids carried out after Trading Standards received intelligence from members of the public.

Officers also reportedly had to cut a lock from a door at the Louth premises before finding cigarettes stored behind it.

At PoundPlus in Boston, bags containing illegal cigarettes were found across the floor of a back room.

The three shops have now been ordered to remain closed for three months as authorities continue a wider crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade across Lincolnshire.

Almost 500,000 illegal cigarettes seized since April

The latest action forms part of an ongoing enforcement programme involving Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police.

Since January 2024, 147 closure orders connected with illegal tobacco offences have been served across Lincolnshire.

Figures released by the county council show that since April 1, 2026 alone, officers have seized:

• 490,360 illegal cigarettes

• 6,450 packs of 50g hand-rolling tobacco

• 811 disposable vapes

Lincolnshire County Council says illegal tobacco can pose wider risks to communities as well as affecting legitimate businesses.

Councillor Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety, said the latest closures would immediately disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco in the three towns.

He said authorities would continue to take action against premises selling illegal products and warned that businesses putting profit before public safety could face closure.

Police urge residents to report concerns

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jacky Evans said information provided by members of the public was important in helping police and partner agencies identify premises of concern and target enforcement activity.

Residents who have information about the sale of illegal tobacco or associated criminal activity can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

The Easy Shop & Vape Shop premises is located on Lumley Road in Skegness town centre, close to Skegness railway station.