A convenience store in Birmingham has been caught selling vapes to children following a Trading Standards sting operation. Officers from Birmingham City Council used two 15-year-old girls to test Holyhead Supermarket on Holyhead Road in Handsworth after concerns were raised about illegal vape sales.
Test Purchase Details
The operation took place just after 7pm on Thursday, March 12. Trading Standards officer Rabinder Mander entered the shop first, followed by the two girls who approached the counter. Two young men were behind the counter, and the girls asked for a Pro Max Vape, which was displayed on a shelf. The vape was handed over, and the girls paid £9 before leaving without being asked for identification or age verification.
Trading Standards noted: “At no time were they asked their age or for any identification.” Vape sales are restricted to those aged 18 and over, and the shop even displayed a Challenge 25 poster behind the counter.
Follow-Up Investigation
After the purchase, Mr Mander and fellow officer Paul Ellison returned to the shop and spoke to Altaf Khan, who claimed to be the new owner. He was informed that selling a nicotine-containing vape to a minor was an offence and was issued a formal trader’s notice. Officers also observed what appeared to be illicit tobacco in and around the counter area.
The visit followed information from another agency earlier in March alleging the shop sold cheap Polish cigarettes and illegal vapes. A revisit on April 10 found no illicit products on display.
License and Ownership Concerns
Trading Standards noted discrepancies in the business name and ownership records. The trading name on the council’s public register was Hollyhead Market, while the shop signs read Holyhead Market. The premises license holder was listed as Mohammad Eidnan Khan, and the designated premises supervisor as Mohammed Khan. Companies House records show Mohammed Eidnan Khan as the sole director of Holyhead Supermarket Limited. Trading Standards stated that despite spelling variations, it appears to be the same business.
Call for License Suspension
Trading Standards has called for the premises license to be suspended, citing concerns that the seller lacked a personal license and adequate training. They emphasized the shop’s location on a busy thoroughfare with high foot traffic and local customers. The recommendation is for a suspension period to ensure all staff are trained and business procedures are improved to prevent future sales of age-restricted products to minors.
