Illegal sales inquiry leads to licence review

A convenience store is to have its licence reviewed following concerns around illicit vapes and underage cigarette sales.

- Nic Marko

Hartlepool Borough Council's trading standards chiefs have raised worries around Headland Local Shop, at 31 Northgate, following an operation to identify premises selling age-restricted products to children.

This involved two 14-year-old volunteers covertly entering under the supervision of officers and attempting to buy such goods.

In December 2024 the volunteers visited the Headland Local Shop and were sold a packet of 20 cigarettes and a packet of cigarette papers, according to a report from trading standards officers.