Hot N High Ltd, trading as Sheppards, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 June. It pleaded not guilty to selling nicotine inhaling products to someone under the age of 18.
Following a trial, Hot N High Ltd was found guilty of the offence and fined £2,000. It must also pay a victim surcharge of £800 and £12,000 in costs.
In 2023, Essex Trading Standards carried out an underage test purchasing operation in Colchester. This followed a number of complaints about age-restricted products being sold to children.
During the operation, Sheppards sold a vape containing nicotine to a 13-year-old volunteer.
The company was advised on underage sales by Trading Standards between 2021 and 2023. It had also been the subject of test purchasing operations during this period.
A spokesperson for Essex Trading Standards said: “Sellers of age-restricted goods including vapes must ensure they are vigilant and always ask to see proof of age before making a sale to a young person.
"They must have robust processes in place, including staff training, to guard against any illegal underage sales.
“This prosecution shows how seriously we take this issue. Businesses which break the law in Essex will be targeted by Trading Standards.”
You can contact Trading Standards if you think a shop is selling age-restricted products to children. Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit the website.