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Sultan Barbers on Shaftesbury Square has been hit with a three-year ban for illegally selling tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes, to children. This action follows an investigation and test purchases by local Tobacco Control Officers in response to community complaints. It's a clear reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect our young people from harmful underage sales.
2026/08/10
A Belfast barber shop, Sultan Barbers located at 23 Shaftesbury Square, has recently been given a significant three-year ban on selling tobacco and nicotine inhaling products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. The decision was made following a case heard at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.
The ban comes after an investigation prompted by complaints that Sultan Barbers was selling tobacco products to children. Local Tobacco Control Officers subsequently conducted test purchase exercises, during which cigarettes were unlawfully sold to a child volunteer. A crucial finding was that the shop was not even registered to sell these regulated products in the first place.
Under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, it is strictly illegal for any retailer to sell tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products to anyone under the age of 18. In addition to the three-year Restricted Premises Order for the shop itself, a Restricted Sales Order was also issued against the business owner, Mr Sultan Alsalem Alhamada. This prevents him from selling these products from any location for the same three-year period.
The enforcement of tobacco and nicotine-inhaling product legislation in Northern Ireland is carried out by district council Tobacco Control Officers, who play a vital role in supporting businesses to comply with the law and practice responsibly. This case underscores a wider public health concern, particularly regarding young people and vaping.
Recent research from the Public Health Agency has indicated that 15% of children and teens in Northern Ireland vape regularly, with one in five having tried a vape at least once. Worryingly, only half of those who vape regularly reported having any issues purchasing these products. Health professionals consistently advise that children and young people should not vape, as these products are highly addictive and can cause damage to developing lungs and brains. The potential long-term effects of vaping on young people are still being thoroughly investigated.
This outcome serves as an important reminder for all local retailers of their responsibility to protect our young people and adhere to the law. Our community's health and well-being, especially that of our children, remains a top priority.