Bloxwich shop owner fined after selling vape to 16-year-old

The teenager bought the item from Lifestyle Express store on Harden Road in Bloxwich in April of last year without being asked his age or for identification.

He was a volunteer as part of a test purchase by Walsall Council's Trading Standards, which had received a complaint that the shop was selling vapes to children.

A Trading Standards officer witnessed the sale and shortly after returned to the store and identified the owner, Carl Neville, as the seller.

Neville, aged 58 and from Wednesbury, appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court on Wednesday (January 15) where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was handed a £230.00 fine and ordered to pay £800.00 costs and £92.00 victim surcharge, totalling £1,122.

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council said: “We take the sale of age-restricted products very seriously in Walsall. 

"This case highlights the importance of our Trading Standards team in protecting young people from the dangers of nicotine. 

"I commend the officers involved for bringing this case to court and for their ongoing commitment to tackle under-age vape sales.

“Businesses must understand their responsibilities in undertaking the necessary duties to carry out identification checks and the consequences if they do not comply. 

"We will continue to take appropriate legal action against those who break the law to protect our communities.”