A Walsall shopkeeper has been fined after selling a vape to a minor, highlighting the importance of age restrictions on such products.
Trading Standards got a tip-off about kids buying vapes there. So, they sent in a 16-year-old volunteer to test the waters. The kid bought a vape without anyone asking for ID.
A Trading Standards officer saw the whole thing. They later identified the shop owner, Carl Neville, who’s 58 and from Wednesbury. He was charged for selling nicotine vapes to someone under 18.
In court, Neville admitted he messed up. He said the shop was busy at the time. The court hit him with a £1,122 bill. This included a £230 fine, £800 in costs, and a £92 victim surcharge.
If you think a shop in Walsall is selling age-restricted stuff to kids, let Trading Standards know. You can find more info on underage sales on the Walsall Council website.
Councillor Garry Perry, the leader of Walsall Council, said they take this issue seriously. He praised the Trading Standards team for their work in keeping young people safe from nicotine. He also reminded businesses to check IDs properly. They’ll keep taking action against those who break the law to protect the community.
