Shops that sell e-cigarettes to underage customers were warned they face court action after a Stone store was fined for selling goods to a 16-year-old.
The case was brought by Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service against Phoenix Tobacconist Limited trading as Huff and Puff, 25A High Street, Stone.
Magistrate’s at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how a 16-year old volunteer made the undercover test purchase on 30th April 2019 whilst working with Trading Standards officers. It is illegal for under-18s to buy and use e-cigarettes.
Tony Shore, Trading Standards Manager at Staffordshire County Council said:
“This successful prosecution shows we take the selling of age-restricted products to young people very seriously. We expect all retailers to operate within the law, which in this case is designed to protect children and young people.“We recognise the benefits of e-cigarettes as an aid to quit. However, it is not appropriate for children under the age of 18 to be using e-cigarettes.”
Tony added:
“Test purchasing operations are a good way to make sure that retailers have strong policies in place on all age-restricted products. Our trading standards team provide guidance to support retailers to comply with the law. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action where it is appropriate to do so.”
The Company received a £1700 fine and were ordered to pay trading standards costs of £1993.50 as well as a £170 victim surcharge
People looking for support on stopping smoking can get advice and support at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/
People can report instances of age-restricted sales on 01785330356.
