A Whitehaven store has been fined over £30,000 for illegal sales of fireworks after complaints and investigation.

On Wednesday, August 13, Lakes Vape Station Ltd, King Street, Whitehaven, was fined a total of £32,673 after pleading guilty to multiple offences relating to the illegal sale and unsafe storage of fireworks.

Following complaints, officers visited the shop and discovered 658 kilograms of fireworks in the premises, whose primary business is the sale of vapes.

The investigation found:

• The business was not licensed by the local authority to store fireworks.
• Fireworks were improperly dispersed throughout the premises, including placement next to flammable materials, in open containers, and in areas freely accessible to the public.
• Fireworks banned many years ago were being offered for sale.

The court imposed a £20,000 fine, plus costs and a victim surcharge amounting to £12,673, bringing the total penalty to £32,673.