Vape chain fined $35k after minors bought vapes in undercover sting

A vape retailer has been fined $35,000 after young people walked into its stores 10 times during undercover checks, and bought vapes on six of those occasions.

Discount Mall Vape Ltd, a specialist vape retailer with stores around the country, was prosecuted by Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health for selling vapes to minors and for failing to take all practicable steps to keep young people out of its shops.

The case followed a series of controlled purchase operations run by Health NZ at the retailer's branches.

Health New Zealand director of protection Becky Jenkins said the investigations found repeated non-compliance across many of the chain's stores.

"Our investigations showed this wasn't a one-off mistake. We recorded 10 instances where a young person was able to enter the store, and on six of these occasions they were able to buy a vape," Jenkins said.

"That is an unacceptable breach of laws meant to protect the health of children and young people."

It is the first time a specialist vape retailer has been prosecuted for both selling to under-18s and failing to stop a young person from entering its premises. It is also the seventh prosecution for selling regulated products to under-18s since 2023.

Ministry of Health deputy director-general of regulatory services David Shanks said the penalty sent a clear message to vape retailers that failing to protect young people would have consequences.

"Businesses that continue put sales ahead of young people's health can expect serious repercussions."

Health agencies have more than doubled the number of store visits and controlled purchase operations since 2023/24.

That stepped-up enforcement has led to more than 600 infringement notices issued to businesses and individuals for breaching smokefree laws, including selling vaping and tobacco products to people under 18.

Discount Mall Vape Ltd has been contacted for comment.