Calgary convenience store fined $10,000 for selling vapes to minors

A northeast Calgary convenience store has been fined $10,000 for selling vaping products to minors. Gemini Convenience Store, located in the Pineridge area, has been convicted of multiple violations under the Tobacco, Smoking and Vaping Reduction Act by the City of Calgary. The convictions include offences for selling vaping products to minors.

The $10,000 fine and the conviction are shared between the corporation that owns the shop, Maple Gifts & Confectionary Enterprise Ltd., and the store manager, Sudhakar Tandon.

City of Calgary business safety officers began investigating complaints lodged about the business via 311. In conjunction with the Calgary Police Service, violations were observed and charges were laid last May.

“I would like to thank those that reached out to us via 311 and would encourage others to do the same if they learn of a business selling smoking and vaping products to minors,” said Michael Briegel, the city's deputy chief of business safety. “It is important that we protect the health of young people — age requirements are in place for these products for a reason.”

When the city announced the charges last May, it said it would conduct a licence review hearing for the business due to the severity of the offences. Business licence data on the city's website shows the store is still operational and remains licensed for tobacco and vape retail.