THE owners of two businesses in Limerick City will escape a conviction for selling vapes to a 15-year-old child if they pay legal costs of the HSE and make a charitable donation.
The business owners were forthcoming and made admissions before Judge John King at the District Court, on foot of receiving summonses brought by the HSE, each facing a fine up to €4,000 and/or a six-month jail sentence.
The offences came to light during a planned “test purchase” by a 15 year old.
Neither businesses owner had prior convictions, and were regarded by the court as being of good character, fully co-operating with the authorities.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
The HSE sent warning letters to local businesses outlining responsibilities in checking for ID when selling vapes. The court heard neither defendant asked the teen for ID.
Judge King said he would apply the probation act if the defendants each paid the HSE’s legal costs and made a donation to the Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment service.
Both defendants agreed to the judge’s conditions.
Muhammad Arshad, owner of Tech Terminal, 6 Parnell Street, was ordered to pay the HSE’s legal costs totalling €1,722 and make a €1,000 donation to Cuan Mhuire.
Farooq Saeed, owner of Home Selections, 52 William Street, was ordered to pay HSE legal costs of €2,000 plus a €1,000 donation.
The judge adjourned the cases to December 5, 2025, and May 8, 2026, to see if the payments were made.
Both defendants introduced measures aimed at preventing repeat offences by implementing updated vape sale policies and training for staff, the court heard.