Nunhead Express loses licence after fake Labubu dolls, vapes found

Councillor David Watson at Southwark Council said the store, Nunhead Express in south-east London, was undermining businesses through the sale of illegal and unsafe goods.

Southwark Council said the decision, made on June 2, followed a licensing review prompted by trading standards concerns and supported by police.

The committee unanimously agreed to revoke the store’s licence, citing a lack of confidence in the operator’s ability to run the premises responsibly.

Councillor David Watson, executive member for community safety and engagement, said: "We’re determined to make Southwark safer by taking tough action against crime.

Southwark Council has taken action against Nunhead Express after the store was found to be dealing illegal tobacco products, fake Labubu dolls and unlicensed erectile dysfunction products (Image: Southwark Council)

"Genuine, hardworking local retailers in our communities are undermined by the sale of fake, illegal and unsafe products – it is vital that we protect our local businesses as well as consumers by taking action where necessary.

"This is another great result for our Trading Standards team.

The shop was along Kirkwood Road in Nunhead (Image: Google Maps)

"It shows Southwark Council will stand-up for legitimate businesses and safer high streets, and we will protect our neighbourhoods."

A test purchase led to inspections at the shop, where trading standards officers found more than 1,000 illegal single-use vapes, illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

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Police also seized small bags of what appeared to be herbal cannabis marked at £20 per bag, unlicensed erectile dysfunction ointments, and 100 large cans of nitrous oxide gas.

Other issues included stock labelling breaches, such as Polish lager lacking English language information or UK importer details.

The revocation decision is subject to an appeal to be heard by the Magistrates.

The operator’s license will remain in place until the decision is either confirmed or overturned.

Nunhead Express was previously known as Nisa and it is understood that due to the issues found at the premises, the Nisa franchise was terminated.