Shopkeeper banned after selling vapes to children despite 'clear warnings'

A shopkeeper has been banned from selling tobacco and vapes after selling products to children under 16.

West Dunbartonshire Trading Standards undertook test purchasing at the Clydebank shop after receiving multiple complaints.

As well as witnessing the shop sell a vape to a 16-year-old volunteer, the store was not operating an Age Verification Policy by checking the photographic ID of any customer appearing to be under the age of 25.

Fixed penalty notices were issued for both offences.

A third fixed penalty was issued as the trader sold an e-cigarette to an 18-year-old volunteer without asking for photographic ID.

Following the enforcement action, the council was successfully granted a Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Banning Order following a hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

The banning order will be in place for 12 months from May 19 and is displayed within the shop. It must remain there for the duration of the order.

Convenor of corporate services, councillor William Rooney, said: “The trader received multiple fixed penalty notices warning of a serious breach of trading standards.

“Despite these clear warnings, they failed to comply, leaving us no choice but to act swiftly and firmly to stop this illegal activity. I would like to thank the parents and volunteers who raised this with our Trading Standards team and worked together to enable the enforcement action that has resulted in this banning order.”

Vice convener of corporate services, councillor Lawrence O’Neill, said: “Keeping our residents safe, particularly young people, is a top priority, and this enforcement action has been essential in achieving that.

“I hope this serves as a clear warning to any business considering selling to underage customers: take responsibility, think seriously about the harm this can cause, and be aware of the serious consequences.”

Any West Dunbartonshire residents who have information regarding the sale of tobacco or vapes to children under 18 should contact Trading Standards on 0141 951 7998.