Belfast shop banned from selling cigarettes and vapes after being caught selling to children

It comes as research shows 15% of children and teenagers vape regularly

By Hannah Patterson

May 12, 2026 at 4:56pm BST

A shop in Belfast has been handed a 12 month ban on selling tobacco products and vapes after it was found to be ‘selling nicotine inhaling products to children’.

Belfast Magistrates Court ordered the ban against ‘Snack City’ on College Avenue in Belfast city centre following an investigation by Belfast City Council.

The case taken by Belfast City Council followed a number of complaints that the shop was selling nicotine inhaling products to children.

Council officers organised test purchase exercises, during which cigarettes and vapes were sold to child volunteers.