A VAPE shop in Kidderminster has been served with a prohibition notice after it remained open in spite of new coronavirus lockdown laws.

The Purest Vapours, in Dudley Street, was served with a prohibition notice by Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) under the new Health Protection Coronavirus Restrictions regulations.

WRS, Wyre Forest District Council and West Mercia Police warn they are taking a robust approach to ensure compliance to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Regulatory Services said: "A notice will be served if a retail premises has remained open and is offering goods or services for sale or hire and is not an exempted premises under part three of schedule two to the regulations.

"Any premises listed under part two of schedule three to the regulations, such as cinemas, betting shops, tattooists, hairdressers and barbers are also required to close.

"Pubs, restaurants, cafes and other businesses selling food for consumption on the premises must remain closed, although they may operate takeaway services under specified controlled conditions."

However, directors of The Purest Vapours said they were only following directions given by the police to await further Government advice.

Co-director Jason Kiernan said: "We contacted the police last week and asked where we stood because some of the products we sell are registered as medicine.

"The police told us to wait until we got further clarification. We sent this conversation over to Trading Standards but they were overzealous and served us with the prohibition notice anyway.

"From my point of view, the police are higher placed than they are."

Earlier this week, the WRS confirmed it had served The Golden Lion pub in Kidderminster with an official warning following a breach of the lockdown laws.

Pennies and The Vault in Kidderminster were found to be complying with the regulations following an investigation.

A WRS spokesman added: "Worcestershire Regulatory Services and Wyre Forest District Council along with Police are taking a robust approach to ensuring compliance with the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, in order to help the national effort in stopping the spread of Covid-19."