A Hastings shop owner has been sentenced for a string of offences involving the sale of illegal tobacco, alcohol and vapes to underage customers.
Lhon Karimi, 29, of Devonshire Road, received a 12-week suspended prison sentence, a £230 fine, and was ordered to pay £500 in costs after pleading guilty to nine offences at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on April 24.
The offences took place at Delboys on Castle Street across 2023 and 2024, following an investigation by East Sussex Trading Standards.
Illegal Goods and Underage Sales
Karimi was found to have sold counterfeit cigarettes, illicit vapes, and alcohol to minors, in breach of multiple laws including the Trade Marks Act, Licensing Act, and Children and Families Act.
He initially denied the charges, but changed his plea to guilty at the start of his trial in December. All illegal stock was ordered to be destroyed by the court.
Council Response
Cllr Penny di Cara, lead for Community Safety, said:
“This case highlights our firm commitment to tackling illegal sales that put young people at risk and undermine responsible businesses in our community.”
She added that Trading Standards would continue to work with law enforcement and licensing partners to monitor and act against repeat offenders.
Public Protection Priority
The sale of illegal tobacco and unregulated vaping products has drawn increasing concern from public health officials. Counterfeit goods can pose significant health risks, while underage access to alcohol and vapes contributes to long-term harm.
Residents are urged to report any concerns over illegal sales via East Sussex Trading Standards or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
