According to a report by the South Wales Argus, Shahram Bakir Ahmed, the owner of the "Four Seasons" fruit shop in Newport city center, is being sued by the local city council. Earlier this year, the Trading Standards Office received information that a minor under the age of 18 purchased an e-cigarette from the store.
A police officer once visited the store and provided an explanation of the regulations on age-restricted products being sold. The officer also left behind a detailed information packet to further clarify the rules. However, just a month later, the store was reported to the police once again due to another issue. A woman was able to purchase a nicotine-containing e-cigarette product, specifically a "Elf Bar" disposable e-cigarette, at the premises.
Subsequently, a series of complaints were lodged against the store for its alleged illegal sale of tobacco, illegal sales practices, as well as selling e-cigarettes to underage individuals. As a result, the store has been ordered to close based on its antisocial behavior. The closure will remain in effect until January 25, 2024, following an extension of the closure order.
Ahmed, 32, residing on Oak Avenue in Surrey, was fined £1345 after standing trial at Croydon Magistrates' Court. The fine encompasses penalties, legal costs, and additional fees. Ahmed confessed to committing a number of violations.
The cabinet member for strategic planning, housing, and regulations in the city, MP James Clarke, stated, "We have made it abundantly clear to this shop that selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18 is illegal, therefore there is absolutely no justification for selling such products.
Currently, the four administrations in the UK are deliberating on plans to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes to children. The British government is intending to introduce relevant legislation in the country as soon as possible, with a target of the new year.
Health Minister Andrea Leadsom told the House of Commons that the legislation regarding tobacco and e-cigarettes is soon to come into legal effect. The bill aims to regulate the flavors and descriptions of e-cigarettes to ensure they are not targeted towards children.
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