A business selling a vape to a 13-year-old has been successfully prosecuted, and fined following interventions by Bedford Borough Council’s Trading Standards team in its ongoing efforts to protect young people from age-restricted products.
In April 2024, an intelligence led test purchase operation resulted in a 13-year-old test purchaser being sold a single-use vape at Bedford Fruit and Vegetables Ltd, located at 109 Midland Road, Bedford.
On Tuesday 26 November, 2024, Bedford Fruit and Vegetables Ltd was fined by Luton Magistrates Court and ordered to pay a total of £3,621, encompassing fines and costs. The Director, Mr. Farogh Sadeghi, did not attend the hearing, having previously entered a guilty plea by post.
This successful prosecution, follows previous interventions with the business in relation to the sale of tobacco related products including the provision of advice and guidance relating to underage sales, and marks the third such case brought forward by Bedford Borough Council's Trading Standards department in 2024.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, expressed the Council's unwavering commitment to protecting children: “We take the protection of our young residents very seriously, the health risks associated to underage vaping are well documented. The prosecution of these traders demonstrates our resolve to uphold the law and ensure that businesses operate responsibly, especially when it comes to age-restricted products.”
Bedford Borough Council urges all retailers to prioritise staff training and implement robust procedures to prevent the sale of age-restricted products, such as vapes, to minors. Failure to comply will result in strict enforcement action.
Residents who have concerns about businesses selling age-restricted products to minors can report them to Bedford Borough Council's Trading Standards team by emailing ehadmin@bedford.gov.uk
By working together, we can ensure that businesses adhere to responsible practices and safeguard our children from potential harm.
Learn more about underage sales in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/underage-sales
Find further advice for consumers and businesses in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/business/trading-standards