SALAR JAFF, a 49-year-old owner of High St Vape Zone Ltd, was sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 10, for multiple offences related to the sale of non-compliant electronic cigarettes.

Jaff, residing at High Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to several charges involving the supply of electronic cigarettes that did not meet regulatory standards. The offences took place on 30th October 2023 and 16th December 2023.

The court heard that on October 30, 2023 and December 16, 2023, Mr Jaff supplied electronic cigarettes that exceeded the allowable volume of 2 millilitres per cartridge or tank, breaching regulation 36 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

On the same dates, Mr Jaff engaged in commercial practices that created the impression that non-compliant electronic cigarettes could be legally sold, contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Additionally, on October 30, 2023, he sold electronic cigarettes that failed to carry the required health warnings, violating regulation 37 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

Jaff was issued multiple community orders, which require him to comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and complete 120 hours of unpaid work within the next twelve months, supervised by a responsible officer.

He was ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services amounting to £114 and court costs of £2,307.40. A collection order was made to facilitate these payments.

The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of 468 vapes under the Sentencing Act 2020.

The defendant, who was unrepresented by a solicitor, initially received a community order for each of the non-compliance charges. The unpaid work hours were reduced from 180 to 120 hours in consideration of his guilty plea. No separate penalties were imposed for the unfair trading charges.

During the sentencing, the court highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure the safety of products sold to the public. The significant penalties and forfeiture reflect the seriousness with which these breaches are regarded.

Mr Jaff is required to commence payment of his fines and costs at a rate of £50 per month starting from 8th July 2024. The penalties serve as a deterrent against future non-compliance and underscore the court’s commitment to upholding consumer protection laws.

This case underscores the vigilance of local authorities in enforcing regulations around the sale of electronic cigarettes and ensuring that businesses operate within the legal framework to safeguard public health.