A Croydon business has been slapped with a fine of more than £20,000 for selling a vape to an underage customer. Link Telecom Enterprise Limited, based in Thornton Heath, was handed the maximum fine provided by the regulations of £2,500 for selling a vape to a child in a shop on Brigstock Road.
The business was then fined an additional £20,000 for two offences of stocking vapes which failed to display the health warning and contact details in Great Britain of the supplier. The defendant was also ordered to pay the council’s full costs of £5,008.13.
As the company was not represented in its court hearing, it was convicted in absence. Ownership of Link Telecom Enterprise Limited has recently changed hands which, according to Croydon Council, the court described as a “cynical” attempt to “abuse the court process”. The business owner now has six months to pay the hefty fine.
Jason Perry, executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “I’m proud that we have the best Trading Standards team in London because they work hard to protect residents and businesses against illegal operators.
“The legal action is part of the Council’s crackdown on rogue businesses that fail to follow legislation which can put residents’ health at risk, as well as harming legitimate businesses’ trade.
“Our Trading Standards team do really important work to help keep us all safe. Residents are vital in helping the team, so if anyone thinks a shop is selling restricted products to those underage or illegal vapes, please get in touch.”
It is recommended that businesses contact the council if they would like more information to deter underage sales or any other trading standards assistance. Residents can also get in touch with the council if they believe illegal activity is taking place from a shop.
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