A shop owner has been left stunned after being locked out of her store by the council, which claims the business is causing anti-social behaviour.

The Bong Shop has been running in Margate since the 1960s, moving to the high street in 2011 under boss Thule Letts.

However, when she was on holiday in Crete, Thanet District Council (TDC) put a closure notice on the door, banning anyone from entering.

Ms Letts is now being taken to court, sparking uproar among her supporters on social media.

She says the council is alleging that she has been partaking in drug dealing and that the use of the business is leading to “disorder” in the town.

The shop’s website says it sells both traditional and modern bongs - water pipes used for smoking cannabis or other drugs.

Ms Letts told KentOnline: “We're a local family, and we've always been very adult about what we're doing.

“I went to court this morning, and they say they want to shut my shop for three months. I think what they're ultimately after is me gone, but I've just re-signed a lease.”

Ms Letts says the allegations relate to CBD products that were taken from her shop a month ago by TDC and Trading Standards.

But she says these are 0.2% THC – the compound in cannabis that causes a “high” – and so she says they are legal products.

There are other CBD suppliers in Kent, and Ms Letts says they are all registered through Companies House and paying VAT on their products.

“My wholesalers are still selling them online,” she said.

“I've called Kent Police. They say that's all illegal and all Class B substances.”

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Met Police said CBD is legal if it contains less than 1mg of THC, THCV and CBN in the final preparation.

It adds that 0.2% is not a classification of a legal product but a guideline relating to which hemp varieties can be used by licensed commercial growers.

However, the Cannabidiol (CBD) flower, which can be smoked, vaped, or made into tea, is classified as a controlled substance and is illegal.

Ms Letts is due to appear again at Margate Magistrates’ Court on November 6.

There has been an outpouring of support for her and the Bong Shop on social media – including from many people who have been customers for decades.

Connor Whiting said: “I spent my teenage years travelling around on a BMX with skaters and other extreme sports goers.

“I actually remember the Bong Shop sending people away when people asked for illicit substances, as that wasn’t part of the shop’s core values.

“So it’s quite the opposite of the above allegations if you ask me.”

Jayde Mayhew added: “Doesn't fit with what they want in the old town, all the artsy fartsy yuppie stuff.

“Nobody has ever, as far as I know, associated your shop with any drugs or dealers. That's a load of rubbish.”

Thanet District Council has been contacted for comment.