The owner of a newsagent in Tottenham has been ordered to pay over £1,200 for illegally selling age-restricted vape products to children.
The successful prosecution came after an investigation from the council’s Trading Standards team, who acted on a tip-off from local residents that L&D Newsagent of Park Lane, Tottenham had sold vapes to underage young people.
Trading Standards officers carried out an underage test purchase with volunteers as young as 14-years-old, who were able to buy a vape from the business.
The case was heard at Highbury Magistrates Court on 16 November, where the owner of the business entered a guilty plea. The court ordered the defendant to pay a fine of £500, as well as a victim surcharge of £200 and legal costs totalling £556.
A Haringey Council spokesperson said:
“There is absolutely no excuse for selling age-restricted products to children. We hope this case acts as a reminder to businesses across the borough to take their licensing conditions seriously. We also call on residents to share any information they have about businesses who are flouting these regulations so that together we can take action to protect our young people.”
If you have any information about traders who are supplying age restricted products to underage persons you may report it through our partner organisation London Trading Standards (LTS) (external link). All reports will be treated in the strictest confidence and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
If you are a trader who sells age restricted products, see some advice on how to stay within the law.
