Two Town centre shops have appeared before Merthyr Magistrates Court for selling vapes to a 15 year old boy in Merthyr Tydfil. One of the businesses also sold a vape which did not comply with UK Regulations.
Omed FARAJ of Cloud Vapes, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil, failed to turn up to Merthyr Magistrates Court on 2nd October 2024 and the case, brought by the local authority Trading Standards Team, was heard in his absence. This related to an offence under Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015.
The Court heard how the 15 year old purchased a vape from Cloud Vapes on 16thFebruary 2024 and that the boy was not asked to produce any identification to prove he was over 18 years. Due to Faraj not appearing before the magistrates found him guilty in his absence.
In total, Faraj, was ordered to pay £2,508 for his offences.
Merthyr Tydfil Barbers Ltd. trading as Istanbul Barbers, also of Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil pleaded guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on 9th October 2024, to offences of selling an illegal vape and the sale of a vape to a 15 year old boy. Again this follows an investigation by Merthyr Tydfil CBC Trading Standards Service.
The court heard how the 15 year old purchased an over capacity vape, which are illegal in the UK, and how the sales person did not carry out any checks on the age of the boy.
Neil Thomas, District Judge, passed a sentence of a fine and costs totalling £2,094.90.
Mr Thomas said in his summing up that “The Court take such matters very seriously, especially the sale of electronic cigarettes to children”.
Cllr. Jamie Scriven, Cabinet Member for Public Protection said: “The dangers of young people vaping is a national concern and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is fully committed in protecting the health of our communities, and ensuring our young people cannot access addictive and dangerous nicotine products.
These successful prosecutions are another example of how our Trading Standards Team, who are at the frontline in the Regulation of illegal sales of vapes, will take action against those who put the health of our young people at risk.”
Craig Rushton, Trading Standards Team Leader said “Businesses and their staff need to be aware that failing to ask for valid ID when selling age-restricted products like vapes can have serious consequences which could result in hefty fines. Businesses must ensure that the products they sell are legal and safe”
