Edgware shopkeeper slapped with £3,300 fine for selling vapes to 14-year old

An Edgware shopkeeper has been given a hefty fine after being caught selling a vape to a 14-year-old by Barnet Council’s Trading Standards team.

Mr Sheroz Talib, owner of Fone Us Edgware, was charged with selling nicotine products to a person aged under 18 years old at Willesden Magistrates Court.

Mr Talib had been observed selling vapes to underage children early in 2022 and had been warned and advised of his responsibilities accordingly by Trading Standards.

Barnet Council Leader, Cllr Barry Rawlings, said:

“We’re very pleased with the fine handed to Mr Talib. Barnet Council is working hard to protect its community from crime and helping to protect the health of its children and young people.

“This fine should send a strong warning to those who illegally trade vapes or cigarettes and we will continue to crack down on illegal underage sales.”

Mr Talib was fined as the salesperson and as director of the company, making the total fine £3,334.28.

Last year, a study from the charity Mix, which provides support to young people under 25, showed that the proportion of young people vaping over had almost trebled to 44% - up from 15% in 2021.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

1. Fone Us Edgware Ltd and Mr Sheroz Talib (director and seller) each pleaded guilty to the following offence:The sale of nicotine products to a person aged under 18 contrary to Section 92 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and Regulation 3 of the Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015. Mr Sheroz Talib - £461 fine, £184.40 victim surcharge, £924.44 costs – a total of £1569.84Fone Us Edgware - £600 fine, victim surcharge £240, £924.44 costs – a total of £1,764.44The total for Mr Talib and his company amounts to £3,334.28.
2. Vapes are electronic devices that let you inhale nicotine in a vapour instead of smoke. This is done by heating a solution (e-liquid) that typically contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and nicotine.
3. Children and adolescents smoking nicotine can cause serious risks to their respiratory health both in the short and long term. Children who smoke are two to six times more susceptible to coughs and increased phlegm, wheeziness and shortness of breath than those who do not smoke. Smoking impairs lung growth and initiates premature lung function decline which may lead to an increased risk of chronic obstructive lung disease later in life. If a child has no access to nicotine this will contribute to reducing the risk of harm to their health and welfare.