Bedford shop fined nearly £9,000 for selling vape to 14-year-old

A Bedford convenience store has been ordered to pay almost £9,000 after selling a vape to a 14-year-old girl.

Salar Ahmed, 48, owner of Kaka Super Shop Limited on Dane Street, pleaded guilty to two offences following a test purchase operation carried out by Bedford Borough Council in April 2025.

The court heard the store had a history of illegal sales, with previous seizures of thousands of illegal cigarettes, vapes, and tobacco between 2024 and 2025. Magistrates imposed fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £8,887.50, alongside a 28-day collection order.

Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, portfolio holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said the prosecution sent a “strong message” that the sale of vapes to children would not be tolerated. She urged all retailers to prioritise staff training and robust procedures to prevent underage sales.

Trading Standards have confirmed they will continue to take action to protect young people and ensure businesses comply with the law.