A Glasgow retailer has been banned from selling any tobacco or nicotine vapour products (NVP) for 12 months due to repeated non-compliance.
The banning order, which starts from 24 October, was issued to the owner and employees of Foodies and Usave store in Wishaw.
This action follows an investigation by North Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards team into the illegal sale of NVPs to under 18s, which led to an application to Hamilton Sheriff Court.
Prior to the banning order, the owner of the business and his employees were found to have sold NVPs to underage test purchasers on three occasions between October 2023 and May 2024.
A notice must be prominently displayed on the business premises for the duration of the ban, said North Lanarkshire Council.
Michelle McKenna trading standards manager at North Lanarkshire Council said retailers have a responsibility to ensure they do not sell vapes to underage individuals: “Due to repeated non-compliance, we had no choice but to seek a court order banning the business from selling vapes at the Wishaw premises. While most vape and tobacco retailers comply with the law, we will not hesitate to protect young people and take enforcement action against those who break the law. This includes issuing fixed penalty notices and applying for banning orders when necessary.”
North Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards said its team would continue its “extensive” programme of advisory visits and test purchases using young volunteers.
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