EHS secures retailer convictions for vaping sales to minors
The retailers were each fined an average of €1,000, with costs to the prosecution levied at €1,200
Print14 September 2026
Environmental Health Service (EHS) secure convictions against several Co. Cork retailers for sale of vaping products to minor volunteers in large-scale Test Purchase operation.
In Fermoy District Court last week, there were several prosecutions initiated by the EHS against retail outlets that failed to refuse service to an underage volunteer who was working under the direction of the Environmental Health Officers who accompanied them.
The District Court judge noted that as far as he was concerned, there was no mitigation for “putting poison” into young people’s bodies and that, in his view, greater deterrence and penalties will be meted out in any future proceedings for similar offences.
Fines
The retailers were each fined an average of €1,000, with costs to the prosecution levied at €1,200.
Each of the retailers had pleaded guilty and will also have incurred the legal costs of their solicitors, unless they have a Legal Expenses Cover such as provided through Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA’s) partner ARAG.
These retailers were all “caught” on the same day, which was prior to the commencement of the obligatory licencing system.
As such, the mandatory suspension of the licence could not be ordered by the judge, who indicated that he will happily endorse such suspension if and when such a prosecution arises in the future.
Judicial system
There is no doubt that the judicial system is mirroring the distain that our legislators and a sizeable number of the general population hold with vaping at large, and particularly when young people are involved.
Do yourself, your business, and the community that you serve a favour and continue to instruct your employees to obey the law and reinforce the shops policy regarding sales to under age children.
There are no excuses, only very expensive convictions.
Read more: Minister Burke has a very big decision to make, says CSNA
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