The council has prosecuted a Chester man for the sale of illegal tobacco, cigarettes and vapes at his store.

Mr Rasul Sidiqui, was charged following an unannounced inspection to Sakotis on 89 Brook Street, Chester, on 30 November 2023.

The charges were in respect of 137 illegal vapes, 4,140 illegal cigarettes and 700g illegal hand rolling tobacco.

The 42-year-old, was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday 14 April 2025 and ordered to pay a total of £2,284.50.

This amounts to £626 in fines, £250 victim surcharge and £1,408.50 costs.

Mr Rasul Sidiqui was charged following an unannounced inspection to the Brook Street store (Nub News)

All goods seized were non-compliant with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations Act 2016.

The council and its partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough who needs support. 

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The 'Go Smokefree' service allows residents to self-refer for support to quit smoking, giving them access to 12 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy and unlimited behavioural support for as long as they feel they need.

One-to-one support is available in one of 18 venues across the borough.

Additionally, residents can be supported via telephone, text, or via Brio's Facebook page.

For more information and support visit here, email at [email protected] or call on 0300 777 0033.