A vape shop owner has been fined £200 after selling an e-vape to a 14-year-old.
Mohammed Ferdhaus, director of Cloudz Vapes Ltd, which runs Cloudz Vapes, Roman Road, pleaded guilty to one count of selling an e-cigarette to a person under 18 years.
The sale occurred during an underage sales test purchasing exercise carried out by Tower Hamlets Council’s Trading Standards and the Met Police on 3 October 2022. The law prohibits the sale of vapes that contain nicotine to people under the age of 18.
The sale of the Magic Bar Strawberry Ice disposable e-cigarette was made to a 14-year-old, who was not challenged to prove their age.
The vape cost £5 and the packaging was marked with the warning that it contains nicotine and was for over 18s only.
Mohammed Ferdhaus appeared at Thames Magistrates Court on behalf of Cloudz Vapes Ltd on 16 May 2023. The company was fined £200 by the court with a £100 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £1301.83 costs.
Kabir Hussain, Cabinet Member for the Environment and the Climate Emergency, said:
“Vaping is not harmless as it still contains nicotine, which is addictive and can have some negative effects on brain development in children and young people.
“This is why it is so important that young people are prevented from buying e-vapes and e-cigarettes.
“We will continue to carry out these test purchases to ensure our young people are kept safe from those who put their own profits above others’ health.”
Posted on Friday 19th May 2023