An Ipswich business has been ordered to pay nearly £6,000 after they were caught selling vapes to underage children. 

Anis Trading Limited, which trades as The Orange Shop in Norwich Road, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The court heard that Suffolk Trading Standards had information that vapes were being sold to under 18s from the premises. 

Ipswich Star: The Orange ShopThe Orange Shop (Image: Google Maps)

An underage sale operation was launched in May last year, and the business sold a ‘Bloody Mary Watermelon Ice’ to a child.

Following the sale, Jawad Qazikhani, director of the business, was issued with a written warning and given guidance on selling age-restricted products.

In September, a second test on the business was completed and vapes - including, 'Solo Pineapple, Peach and Mango 600 puff vape’ and an ‘Elf Bar Mojito 600 puff vape’ - were sold to children aged under 18.

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Qazikhani admitted the business breached the Nicotine Inhaling Products Regulations 2015 in court. 

Anis Trading Limited was fined £1,600 and ordered to pay £3,748 in costs, as well as a victim surcharge of £640.

Graham Crisp, head of Trading Standards for Suffolk County Council, said: “Mr Qazikhani was warned about selling vapes to underage people but continued to do so and is now reaping the consequences.

“The legislation is there to protect young people, and traders who seek to exploit them for commercial gain can expect us to take action.

“I would like to thank Suffolk Constabulary, school staff, and members of the public for reporting their concerns about The Orange Shop to us.”

Ipswich Star: Cllr RivettCllr Rivett (Image: Mick Howes)

Councillor Craig Rivett, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: “Vaping plays a big part in helping smokers to quit, especially when used in conjunction with specialist support from a stop smoking service.

“There can be no excuse for selling vapes to underage people and I congratulate Suffolk Trading Standards for an operation that should serve as a warning to any trader tempted to do so.”