Vape Shop fined over £32,000 for illegal firework storage in Cumberland
Following complaints, officers visited the business and uncovered serious safety breaches
A Cumberland vape shop has been fined more than £32,000 after officers discovered 658 kilograms of fireworks being stored and sold illegally on the premises.
Following complaints, officers visited the business and uncovered serious safety breaches.
The investigation revealed:
- The shop was not licensed by the local authority to store fireworks.
- Fireworks were improperly dispersed throughout the premises, including in open containers, next to flammable materials, and in areas freely accessible to the public.
- Fireworks banned many years ago were being offered for sale.
At court, the business was handed a £20,000 fine, plus costs and a victim surcharge totalling £12,673, bringing the total penalty to £32,673.
Colin Cox, Cumberland Council’s Director of Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing, condemned the practices, stressing the dangers posed to the public.
“The sale and storage of fireworks is strictly regulated for good reason — to keep our communities safe. The dangerous and illegal practices found in this case could have led to devastating consequences. This prosecution sends a clear message: we will not hesitate to take action against those who put profit before public safety,” he said.
Cumberland Council is reminding all businesses that fireworks must only be stored and sold in line with licensing laws. Any breaches, it warned, will be dealt with robustly.