A shopkeeper from Walsall has been hit with a four-figure bill after an underaged teenager was sold a vape at his store. Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team carried out the sting at the Lifestyle Express Store in Harden Road, Bloxwich last April.
After receiving a complaint vapes were being sold to children there, Trading Standards went to the shop with a 16-year-old volunteer to carry out a test purchase. He was able to buy a vape, containing nicotine, without being asked his age or for any ID.
A Trading Standards officer witnessed the sale and then returned to the shop and identified the owner as Carl Neville aged 58 from Wednesbury. Mr Neville was charged with selling a vape containing nicotine to a person under the age of 18.
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In court, Neville stated he made a mistake and the shop at the time was busy. Neville was given a £1,122 bill after receiving a £230 fine, ordered to pay £800 costs and a £92 victim surcharge.
Anyone who suspects a Walsall trader is selling age restricted goods to minors is urged to contact the Trading Standards team. More information on underage sales, is available on the the Walsall Council website’s underage section.
Councillor Garry Perry (Pelsall, Cons.), Leader of Walsall Council said: “We take the sale of age-restricted products very seriously in Walsall. This case highlights the importance of our Trading Standards team in protecting young people from the dangers of nicotine.
“I commend the officers involved for bringing this case to court and for their ongoing commitment to tackle under-age vape sales. Businesses must understand their responsibilities in undertaking the necessary duties to carry out ID checks and the consequences if they do not comply. We will continue to take appropriate legal action against those who break the law to protect our communities.”