Edgware store fined over £5,000 for selling vapes to two 14-year-olds

An Edgware business has been fined over £5,000 for selling vapes to children for the second time.

Fone Us Edgware Ltd was handed the fine by Willesden Magistrates Court on 21 March, after being caught selling vapes to two 14-year-olds by Barnet Council’s Trading Standards team.

Director Sheroz Talib pleaded guilty on behalf of the company to a charge of selling nicotine products to persons aged under 18 years old.

The court heard that the vapes were sold to two 14-year-olds without challenge to their age only two months after a previous conviction for the same type of offence. The Trading Standards officers were not satisfied that adequate training had taken place to prevent such sales from happening to children, whose health can be affected through vaping.

Talib apologised for the sale and stated that training is provided and that he has signs to that effect in the shop. He added that he had sacked the employee who sold the vapes.

“Whilst we are pleased that the total costs to be paid for this offence are £5,228, it is disappointing that this trader had not learnt from his previous conviction where he was fined a total of £3,334. The protection of children is of paramount importance and our Trading Standards Team are determined to stamp out the underage sales of vapes and other products such as knives, cigarettes and alcohol,” a Barnet Council spokesperson said.

Fone Us Edgware Ltd received a £1,667 fine, victim surcharge og £666, and ordered to pay £2,895 in costs – a total of £5,228.