The Royal Borough of Greenwich has successfully prosecuted two local businesses for illegally selling vapes to underage children, demonstrating a firm stance against the practice.
Last month, staff members from Thamesmead Post Office on Arnott Close and UZI Mobile and Vape in Eltham admitted guilt at Bromley Magistrates Court for offences under the Children and Families Act 2014.
The case against Thamesmead Post Office stemmed from an incident in August 2024, when a 16-year-old test purchaser was sold a vape. Further investigation into the premises uncovered a significant breach of their alcohol license, revealing 385 illegal early morning alcohol sales between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., outside their permitted hours. Consequently, the store has since had its alcohol license revoked.
On April 23rd, Mr Yogesh Patel, the shop assistant who made the underage vape sale, along with business owners Mr Jitendra Patel and Mrs Niki Jitendra Patel, pleaded guilty in court. They were ordered to pay a total of £9,716 in costs and fines.
In a separate case, UZI Mobile and Vape in Eltham came under scrutiny following complaints from concerned residents and parents about children purchasing vapes from the store. In May 2024, two 16-year-old volunteer test purchasers were sold vapes at the premises.
On April 24th, the store's former owner, Mr. Nasir Ahmad, and the staff member who made the sales, Mr. Ziyrmal Safi, were found guilty and collectively fined £1,020 in costs and fines.
During the trial, Mr Ahmad argued that he was not in control of the business at the time of the sales due to an ongoing sale and no longer possessed the keys. However, the court ruled that he remained legally responsible and had failed to implement reasonable measures to prevent underage sales.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, emphasized the council's unwavering commitment to tackling this issue. "This is another example of the council's no-tolerance approach to the illegal sale of vapes to children," she stated. "Nicotine vapes are highly addictive and should only be used by adults to help them stop smoking, that is why it is a criminal offence to put vapes in the hands of young people."
Councillor Taggart-Ryan added, "To make sure residents are safe and feel safer, we will continue to hold businesses accountable by enforcing licensing conditions which are there to protect the public. Businesses which are prepared to sell dangerous products to children can expect to face criminal sanctions, hefty fines and the removal of licences."
The Royal Borough of Greenwich encourages residents to report any instances of illegal vape or tobacco sales by contacting tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or anonymously through the London Trading Standards website.
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