Thornton Heath retailer fined £22,500 for vapes offences

A retailer has been handed a fine of £22,500 for selling vapes to minors and stocking non-compliant vapes.

Link Telecom Enterprise Limited was handed the maximum fine provided by the regulations of £2,500 for selling a vape to a child at a shop on Brigstock Road in Thornton Heath.

They were fined an additional £20,000 for two offences of stocking vapes which failed to display the health warning and contact details in Great Britain of the supplier.

The defendant was also ordered to pay £5,008.13 in costs to Croydon Council.

The company was not represented at the court hearing, and convicted in absence. The ownership of the business has recently changed hands which the court described as a ‘cynical’ attempt to abuse the court process.

“I’m proud that we have the best Trading Standards team in London because they work hard to protect residents and businesses against illegal operators,” Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said.

“The legal action is part of the council’s crackdown on rogue businesses that fail to follow legislation which can put residents’ health at risk, as well as harming legitimate businesses’ trade.

“Our Trading Standards team do really important work to help keep us all safe. Residents are vital in helping the team, so if anyone thinks a shop is selling restricted products to those underage or illegal vapes, please get in touch.”

Businesses can contact the Council if they would like more information to deter underage sales or any other trading standards assistance.

Croydon’s Trading Standards team won Team of the Year at the London Trading Standards Awards 2024, held in November last year.