Wembley shop fined £9,233 for selling banned oral tobacco
Brent Council seized 1,500 packs of illegal tobacco worth over £17,000 during an inspection
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A Wembley shop has been ordered to pay £9,233 after Brent Council discovered 1,500 packs of illegal oral tobacco hidden behind its counter. Namkeen Pan House on Ealing Road was prosecuted for selling banned products valued at over £17,000, as reported by the Times Series.
The investigation began when an environmental health officer noticed the tobacco during a routine inspection. Trading standards officers returned the next day and confiscated the products, which lacked proper health warnings and breached packaging regulations.
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Court rejects director’s defence
Magistrates described the offence as a serious breach of government regulations. The court noted that while the shop did not routinely sell tobacco, it had still chosen to stock the illegal goods. The director’s claim of not knowing the products were unlawful was dismissed as "extraordinary".
The total fine included a £4,000 penalty for the director, a £2,000 victim surcharge, £2,233 in council costs, and a £1,000 fine for the company. Brent Council said the prosecution sends a clear message to businesses flouting the law.
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Illegal tobacco has no place in Brent. It puts customers at risk, undermines public health and undercuts honest businesses that play by the rules.
Cllr Promise Knight, Brent Council cabinet member for cleaner streets, transport and public realm
Council steps up enforcement
Brent Council confirmed it will continue test purchases and inspections to ensure compliance with tobacco sales legislation. Residents who suspect illegal sales can report concerns to the Citizens Advice Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Questions this report answers
+How much was the shop fined for selling banned tobacco?
The shop, Namkeen Pan House, was fined £9,233 in total. This included a £1,000 fine for the company, a £4,000 penalty for the director, a £2,000 victim surcharge, and £2,233 in council costs.
+What happened to the illegal tobacco found in the shop?
Brent Council seized 1,500 packs of banned oral tobacco worth over £17,000 during a routine inspection. The products lacked proper health warnings and breached packaging regulations, so they were confiscated.
+What did the court say about the director’s defence?
The court rejected the director’s claim of ignorance, calling it 'extraordinary' and a serious breach of regulations. Magistrates ruled that the offence was deliberate despite the shop not routinely selling tobacco.
+What will Brent Council do next to stop illegal tobacco sales?
Brent Council will continue test purchases and inspections to enforce tobacco sales legislation. Residents can report concerns to the Citizens Advice Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
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