A Preston shop assistant has been fined after selling a vape to a 15-year-old.

Faeem Aziz, 46, sold a strawberry flavoured e-cigarette to the child without challenging their age or asking them to provide ID.

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The test purchase took place at a shop in Orchard Street, in Preston city centre, on April 24 this year. No details were given by Lancashire County Council about which store in Orchard Street the offence took place in.

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Aziz of St Barnabas Place, Deepdale, admitted making the sale and said the shop was busy at the time so he only had time to make a quick visual assessment of the buyer.

He has been fined and ordered to pay costs by Lancaster Magistrates’ Court.

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, county councillor Michael Green, said: “Children should not be able to buy products containing nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.

“We regularly carry out test purchases at shops selling vapes and will prosecute anyone caught flouting the law.

“This case involves the seller. The business or business owner can also be prosecuted for the same sale in certain circumstances.

“Responsible businesses will undertake Challenge 25 checks, requesting identification for anyone appearing to be under 25 years of age and refusing sales to people who can’t provide valid identification.”

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Anyone wishing to report sales of vapes to young people can do so via the Citizens Advice helpline on 08082231133.

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