Walsall Council Trading Standards received Police intelligence on 11 October 2021 advising that King’s Vapes and Smoking Shop, situated in Walsall town centre’s Victorian Arcade, was selling vapes to underage people.
On 13 October 2021, Trading Standards visited the shop and seized 516 illegal vapes.
On 13 January 2022 a further Trading Standards visit was carried with assistance from Walsall Police. Mr Gurmeet Singh, the sole director of the trading company, who works in the shop on a daily basis, was advised about underage sales and was left leaflets and posters. A trader notice was also given to Mr Singh advising him that Trading Standards undertake coordinated test purchase exercises with underage volunteers.
In January 2022, two separate complaints were received that King’s Vapes and Smoking Shop was selling disposable vapes to minors. One of the complaints was received within two days of the advisory visit.
King’s Vapes & Smoking Shop was placed on the list for the next underage sales test purchase exercise and this took place on Wednesday 23 February 2022. On this exercise a 15 year old volunteer entered King’s Vapes and Smoking Shop and a sale was made of a GEEK Bar, Guava Ice, disposable vape (containing nicotine). During this exercise, a Trading Standards officer was present in the shop and witnessed the sale.
The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates Court on 19 October 2022. Mr Singh, as the seller, was handed down a fine of £205.00, Victim Surcharge of £34.00 and costs of £416.00. Thakur Enterpreses Ltd, Mr Singh’s trading company, was handed down a fine of £833.00, Victim Surcharge of £83.00 and costs of £700.00.
Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities, said:
"These disposable vapes are intentionally appealing to children due to their flavours and bright colours and contain as much nicotine as at least 40 cigarettes. They are, therefore, highly addictive and can lead to young people developing a dangerous smoking habit.
"The vape purchased cost just £6.00 — was the profit margin really worth breaking the law? Hopefully the £2,251 in total handed down by the Court in fines, Victim Surcharges and costs will make this trader, and others, take their responsibilities more seriously.
“My thanks go to our Trading Standards officers who, along with others in the wider Regulatory Services team, quietly do so much to keep us all safe.”
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