Heart of the South West Trading Standards (HotSW TS) is reminding shopkeepers to ask their customers for ID following the prosecution of a trader who sold vapes to an under-18-year-old.
At Newton Abbey Magistrates Court on 23 September Andrew Hawkins (44), owner of Redeye Vapour in Torbay Road, Paignton, pleaded guilty to selling two Cotton Candy Ice vapes to a test-purchasing volunteer in February. He was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £3,550.
The Court heard that when Hawkins was interviewed under caution he accepted that he sold the vapes and that he “hadn’t really looked up” when serving the volunteer.
When shown a photograph of the volunteer he said he thought they looked “about 17” despite his operating a Think 21 scheme in his store, which requires that age verification checks are carried out.
He said that he now operates a strict ‘No ID, No Sale’ policy and acknowledged that the use of vapes among teenagers is widespread and problematic.
Alex Fry, Operations Manager at HotSW TS, said: “The business is a dedicated vape shop and should have had rigorous procedures in place to prevent sales to children.
“The bright colours, sweet flavours and names such as ‘Cotton Candy Ice’ attract young people, so it is essential that store owners ensure that they do not sell these products to children.
“In this case it was a basic failure in that he didn’t really look up when he served the volunteer.
“I urge traders to review and follow their procedures.”
Hawkins was fined £1,000, reduced from £1,500 for his early guilty plea, and a victim surcharge of £400. Full costs of £2,150 were awarded. A collection order was made to ensure payment.
It is the second such case in the past two months for HotSW TS, following the prosecution of a Bridgwater shop owner in August.
