Belfast shop given second ban after selling a 'nicotine inhaling product' to a child under 18

A Belfast shop has been given an 18-month ban from selling tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products including e-cigarettes and vapes.

The case, held at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, was taken by Belfast City Council against O’Reilly’s on Donegall Street, Belfast.

This is the second such ban against the premises after 12 month Restricted Premises Order was previously issued in February 2023.

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The owner of the shop, Mr Michael O’Reilly pleaded guilty to breaching the previous Order and received a fine of £1,000 plus costs of £131.

According to Belfast City Council, a Restricted Sales Order was also issued against Mr O’Reilly, which prevents him from selling tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products from any location for a period of 18 months.

The prosecutions followed a test purchase by Belfast City Council officers which confirmed Mr O’Reilly sold a nicotine-inhaling product to a child under 18.

It is illegal for a retailer to sell either tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products (including e-cigarettes/ vapes) to anyone under the age of 18.

This is the first case in Northern Ireland where a Restricted Sales Order has been granted to prevent an individual from selling tobacco and nicotine inhaling products.

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