Crime Solicitors

Medway Trading Standards says that nearly 90% of shops in Medway selling e-cigarettes are breaking the law by selling nicotine products to children.

The findings are the result of a Medway Council Trading Standards operation into shops following newly introduced rregulations, which mean it is illegal to sell e-cigarette products containing nicotine to anyone under the age of 18.

Trading Standards officers sent a 14-year-old volunteer into eight shops in Medway specialising in e-cigarettes.

Officers found that seven shops allowed the youngster to buy nicotine products.

All the shops in Medway known to Trading Standards as selling large quantities of e-cigarettes were targeted – most were in Gillingham and Chatham.

Under new legislation brought in on 1 October – the Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015 – retailers selling e-cigarettes, pre-filled refill e-cigarette cartridges, or refill liquids that contain nicotine could be fined £2,500 if they sell to under-18s.

Trading Standards warns that children may be attracted to the products because of the sweet flavours available, including bubblegum, Fanta orange and tutti frutti.

Under the law, it is the responsibility of retailers to check a customer’s ID before making a sale.

Because the legislation is relatively new, Medway Council Trading Standards said it would be writing warning letters to the seven retailers who did sell products to the 14-year-old as part of their operation.

Medway Council’s portfolio holder in charge of Trading Standards, Councillor Jane Chitty, said:

“It is disappointing to see these products which contain nicotine – an extremely addictive substance – being sold so readily to a 14-year-old.

“The officers in Medway’s Trading Standards team will be working hard to educate these businesses on their legal responsibilities – and the simple steps that will avoid illegal sales.

“Anyone caught selling these products after this offer of advice faces the prospect of legal action and a potential fine of £2,500.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise retailers in breach of consumer protection laws at any stage of a charge or investigation by Trading Standards or other investigating authorities.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our criminal defence solicitors can attend interviews with prosecuting authorities or advise on the law.

For expert legal advice on consumer protection offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.