Local company and director fined after selling illicit vapes in Doncaster city centre.

Local company and director fined after selling illicit vapes in Doncaster city centre

A city centre company – and the company director – have been fined over £2,000 at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court after illegal vapes were found at a shop being run by the company.

City of Doncaster’s Trading Standards team visited Sako Market Ltd, Duke Street, in January 2024, and found 199 oversized, illicit vapes.

Through its director, the company pleaded guilty to the offence of exposing the illicit vapes for supply and the company was fined £619.83, as well as ordered to pay prosecution costs of £153.83 and a surcharge of £333. He was also convicted in his own right as a company director of Sako Market Ltd who admitted responsibility for the vapes. He was fined £333 as well as being ordered to pay £153.83 costs and a £133 surcharge.

During the inspection, a bag full of counterfeit tobacco and illicit cigarettes was also found, leading to an employee pleading guilty to charges of possession for supply or gain tobacco products that were counterfeit or not in compliance with regulations relating to their labelling. He received a separate fine, costs and surcharge totalling £573.83.

All illicit tobacco and vapes were destroyed.

Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “Illicit trade such as this damages legitimate businesses that comply with the law and the Council will continue its robust approach to pursue those who flout the law – including those who work at companies that act illegally. Traders are reminded that from June 1st, 2025, the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law, making single use disposable vapes illegal.”

You should report suspected counterfeit tobacco, illicit cigarettes and illegal vapes to our Trading Standards team.