Labour MP Lola McEvoy has called for a licensing scheme for businesses selling vapes, saying councils need greater powers to know which businesses are operating. Her comments came after she joined council officials during a crackdown on illegal tobacco and vapes at three premises in Darlington. The MP said stronger links between agencies were also needed to tackle illegal tobacco sales and wider criminality. Closure notices were served on Red Market on Neasham Road, Romanian Shop on North Road and Vape City on Bondgate. The council said the action followed intelligence gathering into the supply of illegal vapes and cigarettes in Darlington, including their alleged sale to children.