A Leeds retailer has been fined after selling a disposable e-cigarette to a 15-year-old during a Trading Standards test purchase operation.
On 10 January, 2025, Shakil Ahmed Bashir, owner of KASA on Dewsbury Road, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates Court alongside his company, Winston Retail Ltd. Both faced charges of selling age-restricted products to minors under the Children and Families Act 2014 and related regulations.
Bashir pleaded guilty on behalf of himself and the company. He was fined £576 with a victim surcharge of £230. Winston Retail Ltd received a separate fine of £384 and a victim surcharge of £154. Combined with court costs of £2,500, the total penalty amounted to £3,844.
The case stemmed from a public complaint to West Yorkshire Trading Standards, alleging the sale of vapes to children. In January 2024, a 15-year-old volunteer, supervised by Trading Standards officers, successfully purchased an ELUX LEGEND 3500 puff Mr Pink disposable vape for £12 at the store without being asked for identification.
Under UK law, selling nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes to anyone under 18 is prohibited. Additionally, the sale of disposable vapes exceeding 600 puffs is illegal.
David Strover, Head of Trading Standards – Business Services, condemned the incident:
“The sale of disposable e-cigarettes to children should not be happening in our communities. This business had been warned about complaints and the possibility of a test purchase. Vapes are for adult use to help smokers quit, and selling these products to minors is unacceptable. Retailers must implement rigorous systems to prevent underage sales and train staff accordingly. I urge the public to report illegal sales to help reduce harm in our communities.”
Councillor Pauleen Grahame, a member of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, added:
“Failing to verify the age of teenage customers is irresponsible. Regular test purchases by Trading Standards ensure shops follow the law. Simply asking for ID can significantly reduce underage vaping.”
The public can report illegal sales, including age-restricted goods sold to minors, anonymously through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 0808 223 1133.
This case highlights the importance of compliance with regulations to protect young people from the risks of vaping and nicotine addiction.
