Shopkeepers in Ripon are being warned they risk fines, prosecution, and even jail if they continue to sell illegal vapes.
The warning follows a case at York Magistrates’ Court involving Barlick Megatronic Mobiles Ltd, trading as Phonefix in The Arcade in Ripon, and its director, Humayoun Khan.
Khan pleaded guilty to selling oversized vapes containing more than the legal 2ml of nicotine liquid, as well as selling devices without the required labelling. Trading standards officers also found hundreds of illegal vapes in stock during inspections.
In February 2024, officers from North Yorkshire Council’s trading standards team seized 654 illegal vapes from the Ripon shop. Despite this, when officers returned in October, they were still able to buy an oversized vape.
One device purchased contained 10,000 puffs – roughly the nicotine equivalent of 50 packets of cigarettes. By law, vapes sold in the UK must be limited to around 600 puffs.
In total, officers discovered 430 oversized vapes and 226 without proper safety labelling, instructions or dosage information.
Although the company was later dissolved and escaped penalties, Khan personally was fined £350 and ordered to pay costs of £1,871.45 and a £140 court surcharge.
Cllr Richard Foster, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member responsible for trading standards, said:
“Shopkeepers in Ripon and across the county should be in no doubt – selling illegal vapes will not be tolerated.
"Some of these devices contain the nicotine equivalent of tens of packets of cigarettes, and the health risks are significant, particularly if they end up in the hands of young people.
“Anyone caught flouting the law risks a criminal conviction, a heavy fine, or even prison.”
North Yorkshire Council is urging Ripon residents to report concerns about shops selling illegal or oversized vapes, or selling to under-18s. Complaints and information from the community help trading standards officers carry out inspections, test purchases, and seizures.
Reports can be made via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or online here.
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