A Harrow convenience store has been hit with fines and costs totalling over £1,500 after illegally selling vapes to underage customers during a Trading Standards sting operation.
Teammart, operating at Alexandra Avenue Market in South Harrow, was caught selling vaping products to two children aged 13 and 17, with staff failing to ask for identification or challenge the purchases. It is illegal to sell vapes and tobacco to anyone under the age of 18.
When Trading Standards officers later visited the premises to investigate, the staff member who made the sale reportedly 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.
The investigation revealed failings at the business, including a lack of staff training and no system for logging refused sales of age-restricted products. Avan Kawani, the store’s director, admitted responsibility for the underage sales and failure to implement proper safeguards.
Cabinet Member for cleaner streets and public protection, Councillor Pritesh Pate; 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.”
He added that while most businesses comply with regulations, authorities would continue to crack down on those breaking the law.
At a court hearing on December 12, the company was ordered to pay a £500 fine, £200 victim surcharge, and £1,286 in costs.
Residents can report suspected underage sales to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
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