Hyde Shop owner fined for supplying illegal vapes

A Hyde shop owner has been ordered to pay more than £9,000 after being found guilty of the supply of illegal vapes.

The shop had twice received warnings before Tameside Council’s trading standards officers uncovered more non-compliant e-cigarettes and took court action.

Non-compliant e-cigarettes can lack proper labelling and may contain dangerous contaminants.

Stockport Magistrates Court heard that the officers visited Superstop Convenience Store, at Hyde Bus Station, on 7 March 2024 and seized 44 non-compliant e-cigarettes from a drawer under the counter.

Officers had previously visited in October 2023 and advised the business owner regarding the sale of non-compliant e-cigarettes, and visited again in November 2023 and seized 108 non-compliant e-cigarettes.

The owner of the business, Mr Assad Khan, of Brantdale Road, Bradford, pleaded not guilty to the charges and the matter was listed for trial on 16 February 2026. Mr Khan failed to attend the hearing and was found guilty in his absence.

On 2 April 2026, Mr Khan was sentenced to a fine of £2,077, a victim surcharge of £831, and full costs of £6,534.11. The court also ordered forfeiture of the seized vapes and disqualified the defendant from company directorship for three years.  

Tameside Council’s Strategic Director of Housing, Environment & Estates, Julian Jackson said: “Illegal vapes can be a health risk containing dangerous chemicals and we won’t hesitate to take action to protect the public.

“I’d like to congratulate our trading standards team on this successful prosecution that sends a clear message that we won’t tolerate retailers who flout the law.”

Tameside Council urges residents and businesses to report any concerns about illegal tobacco or vaping products so action can be taken swiftly. This can be done anonymously by using the Crimestoppers form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form