Crackdown on Illegal Vapes: Somerset Stores Fined for Selling Counterfeit Products

The rise of vaping has led to an increased demand for disposable vapes; however, not all products in the market adhere to safety regulations. Recently, the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team took action against two local shops caught selling illegal vape products. This initiative emphasizes the importance of safety and compliance in the vaping industry.

Details of the Case

On May 1, 2023, officials found over 100 illegal vapes being sold at the Spar shop located in Weston, Bath. After further investigation, they discovered 39 more illegal vapes at Kaay Stores in Westfield during a subsequent visit on May 16. These findings raised serious concerns regarding the safety of products available to consumers in the area.

Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

On October 23, a court appearance revealed the consequences for the shop owners involved:

• Darshan Balendran, owner of the Spar shop, faced a charge under The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. He was fined £1,000, with additional penalties including a victim surcharge of £400 and costs amounting to £1,059.
• Thuraisingam Yogamoorthy, manager of Kaay Stores, also pleaded guilty under the same regulations and faced a £1,000 fine. In addition, his company, Aathenaa Ltd, was fined £1,500, contributing to a total of £2,300 in costs and surcharges ordered by magistrates.

Councillor Tim Ball, who oversees neighbourhood services in the area, stated, “Our trading standards team will continue to work hard to stop illegal vapes being made available to the public. We will continue to make checks on retailers that sell vapes and protect consumers from the harm that can be caused by illegal products.”

Understanding Vaping Regulations

The legal framework governing the sale of vapes in the UK is designed to protect consumers. Here are the key requirements for disposable vapes:

• All disposable vapes must undergo a safety assessment and receive authorization from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
• The tank size for disposable vapes cannot exceed two millilitres to comply with regulations.

These regulations exist to ensure that vapes are safe for consumers, as illegal vapes do not undergo similar assessments, potentially exposing users to harmful substances.

What to Do If You Encounter Illegal Vapes

If you suspect that a retailer is selling illegal vaping products, it is important to report your concerns. The Trading Standards team encourages individuals to contact them via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline at 0808 223 1133. Your report can help protect others and ensure the integrity of the vaping market.

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Conclusion

The crackdown on illegal vapes in Somerset serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against unsafe and unregulated products. Consumers should always be vigilant and informed about the vaping products they purchase. As regulations tighten, it is crucial for retailers to comply with the laws to protect public health and safety.