The case was brought by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s Trading Standards team against APNA Bridge Superstore Limited, trading as Bridge Superstore on Bridge Avenue, and its director Mr Tarlok Singh Kapoor, aged 33, of Hayes, Middlesex.
On 28 May 2024, officers carried out an inspection with a specialist sniffer dog team following intelligence from Thames Valley Police. They discovered 167 illegal oversized disposable vapes – some capable of delivering up to 10,000 puffs – hidden in a display cabinet and in a vehicle at the rear of the premises.
Officers also seized incorrectly labelled Al Fakher shisha products and other non-compliant nicotine items. Mr Kapoor had previously received advice and written warnings from Trading Standards about vaping laws and product compliance.
Mr Kapoor pleaded guilty on behalf of himself and the company at Reading Magistrates Court on 19 September 2025. The magistrates described the sale of oversized vapes as “dangerous” and imposed the following penalties:
- Mr Kapoor: £1,500 in fines, £600 victim surcharge, £1,300 costs (total £3,400).
- APNA Bridge Superstore Limited: £3,000 in fines, £1,200 victim surcharge, £2,700 costs (total £6,900).
This brings the overall total to £10,300.
Councillor Richard Coe, Cabinet Member for Household & Regulatory Services, said: “This case sends a clear message that we will take robust action against businesses that break the law. Oversized vapes are illegal for a reason – they pose a risk to health. Robust enforcement ensures honest traders who play by the rules aren’t disadvantaged by those who don’t.”
If you suspect a retailer is selling illegal products or age-restricted items to underage customers, please contact the Trading Standards team at Trading.Standards@RBWM.gov.uk.