The owner of a Hyde shop has been sentenced to 100 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £1,000 costs for selling illicit disposable e-cigarettes.
Appearing before Tameside magistrates, Steven Rigby of Colborne Avenue, Romiley, pleaded guilty to two charges of illegal supply.
The court heard that council trading standards officers visited The Vapes Market, 192 Market Street, twice in May 2023 when advice was issued about the sale of illicit items. A further visit, in April 2024, resulted in the seizure of 609 disposable e-cigarettes.
Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “As an authority we are committed to keeping our residents safe, and to that end our trading standards officers will always take effective enforcement action.
“The illegal cigarettes trade does great harm by supporting crime rings and damaging legitimate businesses. It also facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people, which in turn is detrimental to public health.
“Fortunately, the vast majority of businesses in the borough comply with the law and we are happy to support them.”
More than just a food club, more like a family
Council Wins Award For Improving Safety Around Schools
Tameside Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference
Two Men Armed With A Sword And Drugs Arrested
