Residents protected from illegal vapes as local business prosecuted

A business in Twickenham supplying illegal vapes and flouting the government’s ban on openly displaying tobacco products has been fined over £12,000, after being prosecuted by our Trading Standards team. 

Manocha & Sons Ltd, trading as Mobile & Vape Express, has a history of non-compliance dating back to July 2023, when they were caught stocking illegal vapes and illegally displaying tobacco products, in direct violation of measures put in place by the government to protect children and those who are trying to quit smoking from being targeted by tobacco promotion.

Despite signing over the offending goods and receiving a warning and comprehensive advice on the law, they were again found in November 2023 with disposable vapes lacking key safety information and tobacco blunts on open display. 

Following an investigation, the business and director were reported for prosecution. The company director at the time of the offences was fined a total of £3,360 and ordered to pay a contribution of £2,000 towards prosecution costs. Manocha & Sons Ltd were fined a total of £4,020 and ordered to pay a contribution of £3,000 towards prosecution costs.

When sentencing, the Magistrates commented on the seriousness of selling unregulated goods, as the purpose of regulations covering vapes are to protect the public, and such goods pose a serious health risk to the public, particularly young people.

“Our Trading Standards Officers work hard to protect the public from unsafe goods and unscrupulous traders. Wherever possible, officers provide advice and support to help businesses comply with legal requirements, but where advice is ignored, we do not hesitate to take firm action. The imposed penalties show that the Courts take safety matters seriously.”

If you have a concern about unsafe or non-compliant vapes or other trading standards issues, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Richmond businesses can request advice on trading standards matters, including vapes, by contacting tradingstandards@merton.gov.uk.