Mansfield Vape Shop Shut Down After Selling E-Cigs to Kids
15-Year-Old Caught Working Alone As Police Raid Store
Mansfield Express in West Gate was slapped with a 24-hour closure order after failing a police test purchase. Officers stormed the shop on Sunday afternoon and found a 15-year-old boy running the place solo. The quick shutdown was later extended ahead of a hearing at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court.
Three-Month Ban Approved Over Repeated Underage Sales
The magistrate backed a three-month closure under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act. The court heard a string of complaints from parents, schools, and local businesses about Mansfield Express illegally selling e-cigarettes to children. One mum reported her 13-year-old came home with a vape and a receipt from the shop.
Police Crackdown Follows Multiple Reports
“Over the last few months, we have received multiple reports from members of the public about the activities of this business,” said Inspector Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield. “Parents, schools and other retailers have all expressed concern about the sale of e-cigarettes to children.”
“The events of Sunday made it clear that decisive action was needed, and that’s exactly what we did.”
Sergeant Alice Bartle added, “The law prohibiting the sale of these products is in place for a reason and must be followed. I hope this closure order warns all local shops that such flagrant illegality will not be tolerated.”
Under-18s Sold Vapes in Clear Breach of Law
E-cigarettes let users inhale nicotine vapour instead of smoke. It’s illegal to sell them to anyone under 18 – a rule Mansfield Express blatantly ignored. Officials vow to keep up the pressure to stop shops breaking the law and selling vapes to kids.
