Cracking down on illegal sale of vapes

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has successfully taken a Greenwich supermarket to court after a secret shopper aged just 16, was sold a vape. 

In February 2024, the teenage volunteer purchased a vape for £5.99 from SKP Greenwich Supermarket Ltd. The underage customer was not asked for identification and was able to make the purchase without question. 

On 25 September 2024, SKP Greenwich Supermarket Ltd, pled guilty at Bexley Magistrates Court to breaking the law by selling a minor a lemonade flavoured vape. Mr Muhammad Nawaz was the member of staff at the shop who sold the vape and was fined a total of £229. 

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.” 

If you wish to report the illegal sales of vapes, please contact tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or report anonymously. You can get support with quitting smoking at livewellgreenwich.org.uk/livingwell/stop-smoking/