Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

En Vogue

Don't Let Go (Love)

Listen Live

Ripon shopkeeper fined after selling illegal vapes

Friday, 5 September 2025 13:50

North Yorkshire trading standards officers seized 654 illegal vapes from Phonefix in Ripon.

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.

More from Local News

Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university

A Ripon swimming star is set to take her talents to the United States after earning a place at an American university.
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb

Ripon's Workhouse Museum has reopened after a £2.8 million redevelopment that promises to immerse visitors in the realities of Victorian life.