Vape chain fined $35k after minors bought vapes in undercover sting
Discount Mall Vape Ltd was fined $35,000 for selling vapes to minors and allowing under-18s into its stores during undercover operations.Summary
Discount Mall Vape Ltd has been fined $35,000 following undercover operations by Health New Zealand that revealed repeated non-compliance. Young people entered the retailer's stores 10 times and purchased vapes on six occasions. This is the first prosecution of a specialist vape retailer for both selling to under-18s and failing to prevent minors from entering its premises. Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health brought the case, emphasizing that it was not a one-off mistake. The penalty sends a message that putting sales ahead of young people's health will have serious consequences. Since 2023, enforcement has increased, with over 600 infringement notices issued for breaches of smokefree laws. The company has been contacted for comment.
(Source：1news)
