A mobile phone repair shop in Woolwich is facing fines and costs of over £15,000 for selling a vape to a 14-year-old and stocking illegal vapes following a council investigation.
Cell Fone City Ltd and its Director Mr Aslam appeared in court after pleading guilty to possessing vapes which didn’t have the required health warnings and exceeded the nicotine liquid volume capacity, making them illegal. Mr Aslam also pleaded guilty to selling a vape to an underage child.
This sentencing comes after Mr Aslam received guidance from the council on vape safety requirements in October 2024. The following month, the shop was visited and 209 illegal vapes were identified in a sales cabinet as well as in a box behind the counter. Mr Aslam claimed that the vapes were not for sale and were awaiting collection by their supplier.
In May 2025, the business sold a vape to a 14-year-old test purchaser. The staff member who sold this fled the premises and all other staff members denied that he worked there.
On 14 May at Bromley Magistrates Court, Cell Fone City Ltd was hit with an £8,190 fine and costs of £4,810 totalling £13,000, in addition to Mr Aslam having to pay a £2,080 fine.
A council spokesperson said: “Our Trading Standards team work hard to take unsafe products off our streets and hold businesses accountable for underage sales. After providing Cell Fone City with guidance and support, they continued to stock illegal vapes.
“Businesses which are prepared to sell dangerous and addictive products to the public and even children can expect to be hit with hefty fines and criminal convictions.
“Nicotine vapes are highly addictive and should only be used by adults to help them stop smoking, that is why it is a criminal offence to put vapes in the hands of young people.”
If you suspect the sale of illegal goods in the borough, contact the council by calling 020 8921 8157 or email tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
If you want to provide information anonymously visit the London Trading Standard's website.