Ashton Businesses Fined for Selling Vapes

TWO Ashton businesses have been fined for stocking illegal vapes in breach of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

The items were confiscated by Tameside Trading Standards on 17 November 2023 as part of a joint borough-wide operation with the police in response to reports of illegal vape sales made by the public.

On Friday 28 March, at Tameside Magistrates Court, Hurst Cross Service Station Ltd, of 2 Lees Road – commonly known as Texaco Petrol Station – pleaded guilty to having 106 non-compliant disposable e-cigarettes available for sale.

Two previous seizures of similar vapes had taken place at the business over the previous 18 months. All exceeded the legal e-liquid nicotine allowance of 2ml.

Hurst Cross Service Station was fined £449 plus a victim surcharge of £180, Trading Standards costs of £1,457 and £1,200 in legal costs.

Sreja Ltd of 169 Kings Road, Ashton, trading as Kubus Mini Market, pleaded guilty to having 165 non-compliant disposable e-cigarettes available for sale.

The owner, Sami Mohammed, of Bamford Grove, Ashton, pleaded guilty to the offence and took responsibility for the supply of illegal goods as sole director of the business. The company was fined £1,000 plus a victim surcharge of £400, Trading Standards costs of £2,218.99 and legal costs of £800. Mr Mohammed was fined £333 in his own right.

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “Public protection is a priority for us. Operations such as this one, in partnership with the police, are vital in keeping our communities safe as well as for supporting the many responsible businesses that comply with the law.

“We should always bear in mind that the trade in illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes not only and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people. It also supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses and undermines public health.”