In a significant legal victory for public health, Havering Council has successfully prosecuted and shut down an illegal vape shop in Romford that was repeatedly caught selling to children and trading without proper permissions.
The Case That Exposed Rogue Trader
Romford Vape Zone, operating from 115 North Street, faced the full force of the law after council investigators uncovered multiple breaches of trading regulations. The shop had been operating without the necessary planning permission and was caught red-handed selling nicotine-inhaling products to underage customers.
A Pattern of Illegal Activity
Council officials revealed the establishment had been flouting regulations for months. Despite repeated warnings and enforcement notices, the business continued to operate illegally, prompting the council to take decisive legal action.
Key violations included:
- Operating without required planning consent
- Selling age-restricted products to minors
- Ignoring multiple enforcement notices
- Continuing illegal trading despite warnings
Court Delivers Final Blow to Illegal Operation
At Barkingside Magistrates' Court, District Judge Susan Holdham found the company and its director, Mr Junaid Bostan, guilty of all charges. The court imposed a fine of £1,000 for planning breaches and ordered the payment of £2,500 in costs to Havering Council.
Most significantly, the judge granted a full closure order, effectively shutting down the illegal operation immediately. The premises now face a three-month closure, with strict conditions for any future reopening.
Council's Zero-Tolerance Stance
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, welcomed the court's decision, stating: "This sends a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses that break the law and put our children's health at risk. We will use all powers available to us to protect our residents."
Broader Crackdown on Rogue Vape Retailers
The case forms part of Havering Council's wider campaign against illegal vape sales. In recent months, trading standards officers have conducted multiple raids, seizing thousands of illegal and counterfeit vapes with an estimated street value exceeding £100,000.
Recent enforcement actions include:
- Multiple raids on non-compliant retailers
- Seizure of counterfeit and illegal products
- Ongoing monitoring of age-restricted sales
- Collaboration with police and health authorities
Protecting Young People's Health
The council emphasised that protecting children from the dangers of vaping remains a top priority. With evidence suggesting increasing numbers of young people are taking up vaping, the crackdown aims to prevent easy access to these products through irresponsible retailers.
Council officers continue to monitor compliance across the borough, with further legal action planned against other businesses flouting trading laws and endangering public health.
