A shop which illegally sold a vape to an underage shopper has been fined more than £2,500 following a prosecution by Croydon Council Trading Standards.
In February 2024, Ariana Mobile and Accessories Ltd in London Road, West Croydon, was subject to a test purchasing operation in which a young volunteer, accompanied by a Trading Standards Officer, attempted to buy a vape in the shop.
They were sold a Pink Elf Grapefruit bar vape which, like all vaping products, should only legally be sold to those over the age of 18. Following the purchase, the shop was issued with a notice by Trading Standards.
Before the exercise, all businesses visited had been sent a letter advising that the operation would be carried out. The letter sent to Ariana Mobile and Accessories Ltd explained that a previous complaint had been received that it was allegedly selling vapes to people under the age of 18.
It was found that the company did not provide training to staff on age-restricted goods and there was no refusals register or till prompts, which would remind staff to ask for identification on products.
On 24 June 2024 the case was heard at Croydon Magistrates Court. Ariana Mobile and Accessories Ltd admitted the offence and was ordered to pay a total of £2,588.09 in fines and costs.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “I would like to thank our Trading Standards team on their latest successful prosecution. Protecting our children and young people from the dangers of age-prohibited items means making Croydon a safer and healthier place for us all to live.
“We hope that our businesses will work with us to ensure they are fulfilling their legal duties to keep our residents safe, as we continue carrying out further enforcement activities.”
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