THE OWNER of a Shirley shop has been fined for selling illegal vapes.
In his absence at Birmingham Magistrates Court ordered D Kharoty of Ferguson Road, Oldbury, to pay a fine of £1,100, plus a victim surcharge of £440 and £5,189 towards costs, totalling £6,749.
Solihull Council seized the illegal vapes during raids of Boss Mart 4 on Stratford Road premises in 2024.
Boss Mart 4 ceased trading from the premises in October 2025.
Solihull Council say it was subsequently occupied by another company, operating under the name Boss Mart 3.
The company (Boss Mart 3) has closed following notice given to all interested parties, that the Council would be applying to the court for a Closure Order of the premises.
This was in response to repeated reports from the local community about anti-social behaviour, alleged sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, plus the alleged sale of age-restricted products to children.
Solihull Council and West Midlands Police seized a large amount of illegal tobacco and cigarettes from the premises in February.
Councillor Wazma Qais, cabinet member for Communities, said: “This is fantastic news and a significant achievement following months of hard work by Regulatory Services.
“We hope it sends a strong message to businesses operating illegally that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Solihull.”
Anyone who has concerns about illegal sales or anti-social behaviour in their area, should report them via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or to West Midlands Police on 101 or via Live Chat on the force’s website.
