The Brighton Road Supermarket was caught out in a test purchase by Croydon Council’s trading standards team on August 13, 2024.
The cashier sold a vape to an underage volunteer without asking for identification, an act observed by a trading standards officer.
Shop owner Ingaran Santhirasekaram pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court to selling a disposable vape to a person under the age of 18.
He was fined £1,461 and ordered to pay costs of £2,141.88 and a victim surcharge of £584, bringing the total to £4,186.88.
Before the offence, Mr Santhirasekaram was invited by Croydon’s trading standards to a free training session about preventing underage sales, but he did not attend.
He was also informed that a test purchasing exercise would take place within the following three months.
The council is cracking down on underage sales as part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to make Croydon cleaner, safer, and healthier.
The sale of vapes to children is a concern due to the potential harm caused by nicotine addiction.
Mr Perry said: “This prosecution is another great result from our award-winning trading standards team who are working hard to protect our residents.
“We want to work with all businesses in Croydon to help them operate within the law, and urge businesses to take up our offer of free training and guidance.
“Protecting residents’ health, alongside helping legitimate businesses, is really important, so please contact us if you suspect illegal trading.”
Business owners interested in training to prevent illegal sales can contact Croydon Council at trading.standards@croydon.gov.uk.
Suspected illegal sales can be anonymously reported to London Trading Standards.
