A Belfast business owner has been found fined more than £2,000 for selling vapes to children under 18 years old.
Gerard Fitzpatrick, of Fitzy’s, 212 Falls Road, was found guilty of one charge relating to the sale of nicotine inhaling products to children under the age of 18 and two for not being registered to sell tobacco.
He was fined a total of £2,250 with additional court costs at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday 15 October.
Following complaints made to Belfast City Council (BCC), Tobacco Control Officers carried out visits to the premises. Test purchasing confirmed the shop was selling nicotine inhaling products to under 18s.
Under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, it is illegal for a retailer to sell either tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products including e-cigarettes and vapes to anyone under the age of 18.
It was also established that Fitzy’s was not registered to sell tobacco products.
A BCC spokesperson said: “Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland.
“Belfast City Council is committed to making retailers aware of their legal responsibilities around the sale of vapes and tobacco products, particularly to under 18s.
“Anyone who has concerns or information about illegal, or underage sales of such goods should report it to the Belfast City Council Tobacco Control Team.”
