Greenwich council recently won a case against a supermarket for selling vapes to an underage customer. The incident occurred when a 16-year-old volunteer purchased a vape for £5.99 from SKP Greenwich Supermarket Ltd on Woolwich Road without being asked for identification.
On September 25, SKP Greenwich Supermarket Ltd pleaded guilty in court for selling a lemonade-flavored vape to a minor. As a result, the supermarket was fined £332 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £133 along with £2,800 in court costs. Additionally, the staff member, Muhammad Nawaz, who sold the vape was fined a total of £229, including a fine of £88, a surcharge of £35, and £106 in costs.
A council spokesperson emphasized the importance of preventing the illegal sale of vapes to young people, highlighting the dangers of nicotine addiction, especially when marketed in colorful and fruity flavors targeted at minors. The council remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of young individuals and encourages the community to report any similar incidents to trading standards or seek support for smoking cessation.
To report illegal vape sales, individuals can contact tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or make an anonymous report. For assistance with quitting smoking, resources are available at livewellgreenwich.org.uk/livingwell/stop-smoking/.
In taking action against the unlawful sale of vapes to minors, Greenwich council aims to protect the well-being of young residents and raise awareness about the risks associated with nicotine consumption at a young age. By holding businesses accountable for following regulations and promoting healthy habits among youth, the council sets a precedent for responsible retail practices in the community.
