Salford Business and Directors Prosecuted for Repeated Sale of Illegal Vapes

Following a series of inspections by Salford City Council’s Trading Standards team due to multiple complaints received regarding the sale of illegal disposable vapes in Salford, a case has concluded at Wigan Magistrates Court resulting in costs and fines totalling £8,614.

Go Fuels Ltd, trading as Limes Service Station of Manchester Road, Walkden, and its Director Hassan Mohammed faced offences under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, Trade Marks Act 1994, Consumer Protection Act 1987.

• In September 2022, officers seized 1,082 non-compliant disposable vapes from the premises, which were voluntarily signed over for destruction.
• In August 2023, officers seized a further 1,018 non-compliant disposable vapes.
• In November 2023, officers seized 1,285 non-compliant disposable vapes.
• In January 2024, officers seized 703 non-compliant disposable vapes.

The total of over 4,000 illegal disposable vapes seized during these visits were found to breach multiple safety, labelling, and nicotine content regulations. Many products also bore registered trademarks applied without the consent of the trademark owners, misleading consumers and infringing intellectual property laws.

During the January 2024 inspection, Salford City Council’s Trading Standards Officers scanned the illegal vapes through the shop’s Point of Sale system, confirming they were being sold at £11.99 each as part of the business’s day-to-day operations.   

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety said: “This case highlights our commitment to protecting consumers from illegal and unsafe products. Businesses that repeatedly ignore the law not only put consumers at risk but also undermine legitimate traders. We will continue to take firm action to stop the sale of illegal vapes in our area.”

Guilty pleas were provided by both the Director and business on all of the nine offences they were each charged. 

Reflecting the serious nature of repeated breaches and the significant risk posed to public health, the court imposed a total penalty of £8,614, comprising:

• Fine: £930 for each day of offending totalling £2,790 – fine against the Director
• Costs: £1,500 – Company
• Costs: £3,208 – Director
• Victim Surcharge - £1,116 Director to pay

Consumers concerned about illegal vaping products or other unsafe goods can report issues to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.