Belfast City Council officers organised test purchases after a number of complaints
Stock image of Belfast’s Laganside Courts.(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
A shop in Belfast city centre has been given a 12-month ban from selling tobacco products after cigarettes and vapes were sold to children.
The case was taken by Belfast City Council against Snack City, a shop trading from Unit 3, 104 College Building, College Avenue, Belfast, and was heard at Belfast Magistrates Court today, May 12.
After a number of complaints that the shop was selling nicotine inhaling products to children, Belfast City Council officers organised test purchase exercises. They said during these exercises, both cigarettes and vapes were sold to child volunteers.
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In addition to the 12-month Restricted Premises Order, a Restricted Sales Order was also issued against Mr Abdul Shakoor Shinwari, owner of the business, preventing him from selling tobacco and nicotine inhaling products from any location for a period of 12 months.
It is illegal for a retailer to sell either tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products (including e-cigarettes/ vapes) to anyone under the age of 18.
Tobacco and nicotine-inhaling product legislation in Northern Ireland is enforced by district council Tobacco Control Officers, who support businesses to operate good practice and comply with the law.
In Northern Ireland, latest research into vaping habits amongst young people indicated that 15% of children and teens vape regularly, and a fifth have tried a vape at least once. Of those who do vape regularly, only half reported having any issues purchasing nicotine inhaling products.
Health professionals agree that children and young people should not vape – these products can be highly addictive and cause damage to developing lungs and brains. The potential harm of long-term vaping is yet to be fully understood.
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