Preston shop fined for selling e-cigarettes to underage customers during two test purchases

A shop in Preston has been fined after failing two underage test purchases carried out by Lancashire County Council's trading standards team.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Lancaster Magistrates heard that the e-cigarette kiosk at EN Newsagents in Orchard Street sold e-liquid to a 15-year-old volunteer on August 9, 2021.

The same staff member went on to sell disposable e-cigarettes to a 16-year-old volunteer on November 19, 2021.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gulam Patel, who owns the business, was fined £166 and ordered to pay £275 in costs.

A shop in Preston has been fined after failing two underage test purchases.A shop in Preston has been fined after failing two underage test purchases.
A shop in Preston has been fined after failing two underage test purchases.

The shop assistant, Maqbul Hussain, who sold the products on both occasions, was fined £130 and ordered to pay £275 in costs.

Read More
Balaclava-clad men armed with hammer and crowbar threaten staff during 'frighten...

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Community and Cultural Services, said: “This case sends out a clear signal that we won't tolerate anyone selling vaping products to children under the age of 18.

“In many instances, we work with businesses to ensure they comply with the law and act responsibly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, where necessary, we will not hesitate to prosecute, especially where previous advice is ignored.”

Trading Standards carried out the operations in response to an increase in the number of complaints relating to underage sales of vaping products.

It is a criminal offence to sell nicotine inhaling products to anyone under 18.

Nicotine inhaling products include e-cigarettes, cartridges and e-liquids.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Our Trading Standards team will be continuing with test purchasing to ensure businesses are fulfilling their legal obligations,” Mr Buckley added.

“They are also on hand to provide advice and guidance to businesses that need support.”

County Councillor Sue Whittam, Lead Member for Health, said test purchasing operations were “crucial” in helping the council clampdown on underage sales.

"For young people who don't already smoke, vaping can be a gateway to smoking cigarettes, potentially beginning a habit that can be extremely damaging to their health and wellbeing,” she added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Some of these devices can also deliver very high levels of nicotine, which is also a concern.

"The low prices, fruity flavours and brightly coloured packaging of many of these products mean they can be very appealing to under-18s, so taking enforcement action like this is crucial so we can limit opportunities for young people to buy them."

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking HERE.