Illegal vape clampdown proves costly for Bromley retailer

A retailer in Bromley has been prosecuted for selling vapes containing illegal amounts of nicotine.

The prosecution followed a visit by Trading Standards officers who were accompanied by police and were investigating reports about the sale of age-restricted goods.

Trading Standards discovered hundreds of e-cigarettes and children’s toys at the store in High Street Bromley that did not comply with the law. As a result, 277 vapes were seized for containing illegal amounts of nicotine and around 165 toys were also seized for breaching safety regulations.

At a hearing at Bromley Magistrates Court, Mr Andrei Chicus, the director of B.Mobi Fix Ltd, pleaded guilty to seven charges of possession for supply of non-compliant e-cigarettes, unsafe toys, and other items. Both the company and the director were ordered to pay a total of £6,444 in fines and costs.

Councillor Page, executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, said: “It is important that retailers follow the safety laws when selling goods such as vapes and are mindful of the age-restricted nature of products too.

“This prosecution sends a strong message to all that this is a serious matter. Our Trading Standards team is on hand to give advice to retailers should they need it. As part of our approach, we do seek to protect young people from age-restricted products and will take enforcement action where needed.”

Cllr Page continued, “I would like to thank residents who have reported concerns about a specific retailer. Please be assured we do follow up and investigate, but we are not always able to share the nature of the investigation.”

Trading Standards had previously visited the company on two separate occasions, in December 2021 and June 2022. During each visit, non-compliant vapes were seized and surrendered to officers, and a guidance letter about tobacco and related products was given.

Andrei Chicus, who was appointed as the company director in November 2022, denied any knowledge of these events. He also denied knowledge of the law regarding e-cigarettes and confessed to not verifying the safety of the toy products acquired from the supplier.

Residents and consumers are encouraged to report any concerns of retailers selling unlawful products in the borough to the Trading Standards team at trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk or to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

Picture: Pixabay/Ethan Parsa