Council prosecutes trader caught selling vape to child

A trader has been fined £600 after being caught selling a vape to a child earlier this year.

Lalbaz Safi, the owner of Mobile and Vape, in Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, pleaded guilty to the offence at Croydon Magistrates Court on November 25.

The incident took place on February 13, during a test exercise conducted by the council’s trading standards team. 

In court, Mr Safi also pleaded guilty to selling non-compliant vapes and was fined a further £400.

These exceeded the permitted levels of nicotine, did not display a health warning and did not have UK contact details, as required under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

Alongside the vape-related convictions, Mr Safi was fined £280 for selling hair products that did not have a batch number and did not display contact details.

A victim surcharge of £512 was imposed and costs of £3,000 were awarded to the council. The total financial penalties came to £4,792. 

During sentencing, the District Judge remarked that the underage sale was the most serious of the offences and that there were no safeguards in the shop to deter underage sales.

Jason Perry, executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Making Croydon cleaner, safer and healthier is my priority and we will continue to take enforcement action where traders breach their legal duties.”

Businesses can contact the council if they would like more information to deter underage sales or any other trading standards assistance. Residents can also contact the council if they believe illegal activity is taking place from a shop.

Pictured top: Bernard Weatherill House, Croydon Council offices in Fell Road (Picture: Tara O’Connor)