The Trading Standards Service at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council recently prevented the sale of age restricted goods to a child.
There is currently considerable concern over young people accessing ‘vaping’ products. As part of a programme of action tackling this issue, the Trading Standards Team regularly use volunteers under the age of 18 in ‘test purchasing operations’.
Two Tones Vapes Ltd, 2A Victoria Street, Merthyr Tydfil was 1 of 6 premises where a 15 year old attempted to purchase a nicotine disposable vape. The director of the company, Michael Jenkins, sold the vape to the volunteer. An investigation following the sale found that there were not sufficient systems in place at the shop to prevent the sale of vapes to those under the age of 18.
On the 24th January 2024, Two Tone Vapes Ltd and Michael Jenkins both pleaded guilty by post to the offence at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court. Two Tone Vapes Ltd were ordered to pay costs and fines totalling £816 and Michael Jenkins was ordered to pay costs and fines of £616.
Craig Rushton, Trading Standards Team Leader stated, “We will continue to act against shops that sell nicotine products to those underage.
“It is against the law to sell vapes, disposable vapes or e-liquid containing nicotine to anyone under the age of 18. It is the responsibility of businesses to ensure they have systems in place to prevent such sales.
“I encourage any business that requires an information pack on how to prevent underage sales of nicotine products to contact the Trading Standards Service.”
Cllr Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection added, “We have seen an increase in more young people experimenting with vapes. It is not acceptable to sell vapes to anyone who is underage.
“I applaud the ongoing work that Merthyr Tydfil Trading Standards are undertaking and I encourage our communities to report any trader that they believe are selling vapes to our youths.”
