Bedford shop prosecuted for the illegal sale of a vape to a child
It's the second time in one year Bedford Fruit and Vegetables Limited failed a test purchase
Bedford Fruit and Vegetables Limited has been prosecuted for a second time in under a year for the illegal sale of a vape to a child.
The case was heard at Luton Magistrates’ Court where the business admitted to selling a vape to a 15-year-old during a Trading Standards test purchase operation conducted on 8 October 2024.
The company’s director, Mr Farogh Sadeghi, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court imposed a total penalty of approximately £4,200, which includes fines, a victim surcharge, and prosecution costs.
This marks the second prosecution of Bedford Fruit and Vegetables Limited for underage vape sales in less than 12 months.
In November 2024, the company was fined £3,621 following a similar incident involving the sale of a vape to a 13-year-old during another test purchase.
The combined financial penalties from both prosecutions now total around £7,800.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Bedford Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "The sale of vapes and other age-restricted products to children is illegal and poses significant health risks to our young people.
"Despite previous interventions and clear guidance, Bedford Fruit and Vegetables Limited has repeatedly failed in its legal responsibilities.
"This latest prosecution sends a strong message that we will not tolerate such behaviour in Bedford Borough.
"Our Trading Standards team will continue to take robust action to protect young residents, support legitimate businesses and ensure businesses comply with the law."
Under current legislation, if any further underage sales of tobacco or related products occur at the business within two years of the first offence (April 2024), Bedford Borough Council’s Trading Standards team may apply for a Restricted Premises Order or Restricted Sales Order.
These legal measures can prohibit the sale of such products at the premises or by a named individual for up to 12 months.
The Council is urging all retailers to implement rigorous age-verification procedures and ensure their staff are adequately trained to prevent illegal sales to minors.