On Wednesday 13 August, Lakes Vape Station Ltd, King Street, Whitehaven, was fined a total of £32,673 after pleading guilty to multiple offences relating to the illegal sale and unsafe storage of fireworks.
Following complaints, officers visited the shop and discovered 658 kilograms of fireworks in the premises — whose primary business is the sale of vapes. The investigation found:
- The business was not licensed by the local authority to store fireworks.
- Fireworks were improperly dispersed throughout the premises, including placement next to flammable materials, in open containers, and in areas freely accessible to the public.
- Fireworks banned many years ago were being offered for sale.
The court imposed a £20,000 fine, plus costs and a victim surcharge amounting to £12,673, bringing the total penalty to £32,673.
Colin Cox, Cumberland Council’s Director of Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing said: "The sale and storage of fireworks is strictly regulated for good reason — to keep our communities safe. The dangerous and illegal practices found in this case could have led to devastating consequences. This prosecution sends a clear message: we will not hesitate to take action against those who put profit before public safety."
Cumberland Council is reminding businesses that fireworks must only be stored and sold in compliance with all licensing requirements, and that breaches will be dealt with robustly.