Shopkeeper fined for selling vape to 15-year-old

The shop sold vapes to a 15-year-old

A shopkeeper from Taunton has been fined more than £2,000 after one of his employees was caught selling a vape to a 15-year-old.

Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Malapati, 38, who runs Reddy's News on Priorswood Place, pleaded guilty to selling the product to someone under 18 at Taunton Crown Court on 8 October.

A 15-year-old volunteer made the purchase at the store in February, watched on by two Trading Standards officers.

Reddy's News had been targeted by Trading Standards after reports of complaints from local residents.

'No procedures in place'

The court was told the two officers in the store did not see the person selling the product asking for identification or the age of the customer.

When approached later, the shop assistant denied he worked for Malapati, claiming instead he was "helping out".

He did however admit he had been told not to sell vapes to children.

In court, Malapati admitted he did not respond to requests for information by Trading Standards, but said this was due to health and family issues.

Malapti has since sacked the staff member in question, and has provided training to other employees.

Alex Fry, the operations manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards service said: "The bright colours and sweet flavours of vapes are attracting young people and so it is essential that store owners ensure that they do not sell these products to children and that systems are in place to prevent that from happening.

"In this case there were no procedures in place and the employer had not trained the employee and that led to the prosecution.

"We will continue to respond to community concerns in this area, prioritising the health and well-being of residents and our young people."

Malapti was fined £883, and made to pay a £333 surcharge and costs of £1,160.