Luton Borough Council

29/04/2025 - Luton shop owner prosecuted for selling illegal vapes

Following an investigation by Luton Trading Standards, a Luton business has been prosecuted for selling illegal vapes.

Usman Faruk (aged 23) of Oakley Road, Luton, trading as Cloud NO9 Limited, based on George Street, Luton, appeared at Luton Magistrates on 14 April 2025. The court heard that two seizures of non-compliant vapes and three test purchases occurred in November 2023 and February 2024. This followed a prosecution in 2023 for similar offences.

Following this prosecution, Mr Faruk had switched from storing and selling the vapes from his premises to taking orders via WhatsApp. In these test purchases, Mr Faruk was unaware that he was actually dealing with a Trading Standards Officer posing as a customer.

The company was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine and £1,032.30 in costs, while Mr. Faruk, as Director, was subject to a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, 10 rehabilitation days, £114 victim surcharge and £1,000 in costs. Total to pay is £3,146.30.

Luton Trading Standards are continuing to clamp down on the sale of illegal vapes in Luton, seizing over 16,000 vapes so far. Illegal vaping devices are more dangerous than their regulated counterparts as they contain chemicals that are banned in this country and are harmful to health. Vaping devices are regulated by the government to control the amount of nicotine available and have to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Councillor Maria Lovell, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards, said: “The sale of illegal vapes present a serious threat to the safety of our community. Our Trading Standards team continue to do a fantastic job of rooting out businesses that intentionally violate the law. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will use the full extent of the law to keep our residents safe.”

Anyone with information on premises and individuals selling and storing illicit tobacco, shisha and vape pens in Luton either from a shop, online or from a domestic premises or vehicle can report it in confidence.

From 1 June 2025, the sale of single use vapes are to be prohibited. Anyone selling these products after this date risks prosecution. To comply with the legislation, traders are advised to stop buying any more stock of single use vapes and let existing stock run out. This ban is part of the government’s commitment to end the nation’s throwaway culture and stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside and oceans.

Traders can find out more information on single use vapes on the government website.