East Greenwich shop fined £3,200
A shop in east Greenwich has been fined £3,200 for selling a vape to an underage customer.
According to Greenwich Council the Woolwich Road shop sold a vape in February 2024. The underage customer was not asked for ID and was able to make the purchase without question.
SKP Greenwich Supermarket pleaded guilty to the offence at Bexley Magistrates’ Court and fined £332, a £133 surcharge and £2,800 in court costs.
A council spokesperson said:
“We are committed to ensuring children can live their best and healthiest lives. Cracking down on the illegal sale of disposable vapes to our young people is a step in the right direction.
“Nicotine is a dangerous and highly addictive substance for anyone, let alone minors who these colourful and fruit flavoured vapes are marketed towards. We will take the necessary steps to protect the health of our young people and we hope anyone trading in our borough is with us in that mission.”
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I was half expecting it to be Morleys given their history of food poisoning (their short-lived Woolwich opening in ’92 managed to poison around a dozen people in the first week, and they were shut down by the end of the year).
As for the vapes, that’s a harsh fine for a small shop
The enforcement should be at the supply end through legislation (ie banning the things outright) rather than hammering some shopkeeper who feels uncomfortable asking a kid for ID.
They shopkeeper should have asked for ID. That said the ID should be photo ID has underage kids could supply anyone’s ID.
Shopkeepers should not be afraid to ask for ID if it is required to protect themselves and the person buying the vape.
However. A lot of tapes are entering the Country illegally and are fake and can contain high levels of nicotine and other chemicals.
So the fine was justified on this occasion. And sends out a clear message to other retailers that they must ask for ID when serving customers with age related products.
The shopkeeper should have asked for ID. That said the ID should be photo ID has underage kids could supply anyone’s ID.
Shopkeepers should not be afraid to ask for ID if it is required to protect themselves and the person buying the vape.
However. A lot of tapes are entering the Country illegally and are fake and can contain high levels of nicotine and other chemicals.
So the fine was justified on this occasion. And sends out a clear message to other retailers that they must ask for ID when serving customers with age related products.
Well said Charles. I came across a major supermarket in Greenwich last week that had turkey slices on the shelf 4 days out of date. Small shops can’t absorb this type of fine
If you want to sell a restricted product you abide by the restrictions. Quite simple really. Just stick to crisps for an easy life.
I was expecting it to be the food shops opposite Greenwich Center, leaving rubbish on the pavement almost every single day. But well, perhaps no action there from the Council (as usual), despite regular complaints from residents on Fixmystreet!