Cumberland Council has successfully prosecuted a Carlisle businessman for selling illegal e-cigarettes (vapes).
Leighton Dodds, of Cumbria Vapes, pleaded guilty to the offences today at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by Cumberland Council’s Trading Standards team.
Oversized and incorrectly labelled vapes were being sold from the Cumbria Vapes premises at The Market Hall, Carlisle.
Mr Dodds pleaded guilty to nine offences, from March until April 2022, under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations.
Mr Dodds was fined £3,540 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £190 victim surcharge.
Cumbria Vapes was fined £8,000 by magistrates. In addition, £1,000 costs were imposed and a £190 mandatory victim surcharge.
In November 2021, Mr Dodds was advised that non-compliant vapes were being sold from his premises and warned about his obligations as a retailer.
An undercover visit took place in March 2022, where a test purchase was made of an illegal vape. This led to the seizure of a large number of vapes.
Vape products that are over 2ml in capacity are illegal and can be particularly dangerous to those who use them.
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “Vaping is not risk free.
“Although Nicotine Inhaling Products have an important role to play in helping adults stop smoking, these devices should not be used by individuals who have never smoked, especially where the device is illegal, and the amount and strength of nicotine is unknown.
“Nicotine is addictive, and the amount and strength in compliant devices is controlled for a reason.”
Cllr Bob Kelly, Executive Portfolio holder for Policy and Regulatory Services, said: “Illicit trade damages legitimate businesses that comply with the law which is an absolute requirement.
“The council will continue its robust approach and will pursue those who flout the law until we achieve 100 per cent compliance”.
To report a trader who you believe is selling illicit vaping products, tobacco products or alcohol, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 080 8223 1133.