A Caernarfon shop has been forced to close for eight weeks after it was caught selling vapes to children.

Trading Standards officers at Cyngor Gwynedd said the Caernarfon Convenience Store on Bridge Street had also been selling illgeal vapes and counterfeit toys.

The shop has already been closed for a fortnight, but it will now remain shut for another six weeks following a court order on Tuesday.

Caernarfon magistrates heard the sales were "contributing to nusiance and anti-social behaviour".

An investigation by the council saw a number of test purchases being carried out, confirming that vapes were being sold to minors.

Officers also carried out a "significant seizure" of illicit vapes and counterfeit, potentialy unsafe toys from the shop, as part of a co-ordinated effort involving partner agencies, including North Wales Police.

Illegal vapes can be seriously harmful. They often contain nicotine strengths above legal limits, and may also contain illegal, potentially harmful chemicals. Because these products do not meet required safety standards, users risk exposure to unsafe levels of metals such as nickel, lead and chromium and other harmful substances.

A closure notice was issued on both the premises and the landlord on 22nd April, but following Tuesday's court hearing, the shop won't be allowed to reopen until 11.59pm on Monday 15th June.

Andrew Parry, Trading Standards manager at Cyngor Gwynedd, said: "All businesses have a legal responsibility to make sure that age-restricted products are sold safely and to check the age of customers."

"Selling nicotine vapes to children is illegal and highly harmful, and we have a duty to ensure that businesses act in accordance with their responsibilities."

"Whilst our officers always aim to engage positively with businesses to help them understand their responsibilities, there comes a point when we have no choice but to take legal action."

"I am grateful to the Trading Standards officers for their thorough investigation, but also to North Wales Police for their continued support and assistance."

"It sends a clear message about our commitment to tackling the supply of illegal products in our communities and stopping the sale of an age restricted product to a child."

"We would urge members of the public to be vigilant about what they purchase and to avoid supporting any illicit trade that poses a genuine risk to our communities."

The council says Trading Standards officers, along with their partners, will continue to monitor the premises and any other local business that breaks the law.

A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson added: "Gwynedd's dedicated Trading Standards team uses a range of investigative methods, including detection dogs, to uncover concealed products - a clear indication that operators are fully aware of their illegal activities."

"Close partnership working within and beyond the Council remains essential in tackling this growing issue."

"Members of the public in Gwynedd who have any information about people who they believe may be engaged in illegal trading activities or anyone who they believe may be a victim of such activity, are urged to contact Cyngor Gwynedd's Trading Standards team.