A Chester business has been fined after selling vapes to children.

After securing its highest number of convictions for underage vape sales in one day, Cheshire West and Chester Council has fined a total of four businesses this week.

Members of staff were also prosecuted for selling vape products to children, with fines and costs between them totalling £8,297. 

In April 2025, visits were planned to check whether sales of e-cigarettes to children were taking place at various local businesses. 

Child volunteers, acting under the direction of a trading standards officer, entered the premises and were sold e-cigarettes. No identification or proof of age was requested.

As a result, 'Go Local' in Upton, Chester, received a total penalty of £1,738 - including a £345 fine, £138 victim surcharge and £1,255 in costs.

Councillor Stuart Bingham said: "This prosecution sends a clear message that our trading standards officers are on the lookout, and underage sales exercises happen regularly across the borough.

"Businesses are reminded to train staff thoroughly and comply with legislation.

"Failure to do so not only risks legal action but more importantly jeopardises the welfare of children and young people in our communities."

Cllr Bingham urged shopkeepers to keep procedures and training up-to-date and in place.

He added: "Our trading standards team will not hesitate to act where the law is broken.

"Let these cases serve as a reminder that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to protecting children and young people from harmful products."

The council and its partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough who needs support. The 'Go Smokefree' service allows residents to self-refer for support to quit smoking, giving them access to 12 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy and unlimited behavioural support for as long as they feel they need.

One-to-one support is available in one of 18 venues across the borough. Additionally, residents can be supported via telephone, text, or via Brio's Facebook page.

The following premises were also fined, with some staff prosecuted:

• Anytime Vapes, 567, High Street, Winsford – Matthew Carter (42), the owner and person responsible for selling the vape - £2,136 total penalty (£660 fine, £1,212 costs and £264 victim surcharge)
• Vape King, 8 Chester Road, Ellesmere Port -Chester Road Vape Ltd: £2,094 total penalty (£660 fine, £1,170 costs and £264 victim surcharge), and – Magdelena Klech (52) who made the sale: £193 total penalty (fines £138 and £55 victim surcharge).
• Go Local, 12 Greenbank Lane, Northwich – Thusyanthan Rajaratnam (43), owner of the store: £2,080 total penalty (£600 fine, £1,240 costs, £240 victim surcharge) and Sasipirakash Antani (33), the employee who made the sale: £56 total penalty (£40 fine and £16 victim surcharge)

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