A Harrow business must pay out more than £1,500 after it was caught selling vapes to underage children in a Trading Standards operation.
Two children aged 13 and 17 were able to buy a disposable vape from Alexandra Avenue Market Ltd, trading as Teammart, without being challenged or showing ID.
When Brent and Harrow Trading Standards officers visited the shop to identify the member of staff responsible, she fled the scene. The sole employee who returned claimed this mysterious woman was standing in for them while they were visiting hospital. When officers asked for the details of the elusive woman, he provided incorrect contact details.
It is illegal to sell vapes and tobacco to anyone under the age of 18.
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for cleaner streets and public protection said:
“We are lucky this was a test purchase. This could have easily been a vulnerable young person - potentially putting their health at risk.
“Vaping among young people is a national concern. Every business has a duty of care to prevent underage sales. While a majority of businesses comply with the law, unfortunately there are some like this one operating like this. We will continue to crack down on this sort of behaviour to put our residents first and ensure their safety.”
Avan Kawani, director of Teammart, accepted responsibility for the selling of vape as well as failing to demonstrate duty of care and preventing underage sales. Under interview, officers found there was no staff training at the shop and a general failure to challenge customers buying age-restricted products, and no log of refusals. At court, the company was fined £500 with a victim surcharge of £200 and ordered to pay £1,286 in costs, on 12 December last year.
If you suspect a business is selling to underage people please report them to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133