The HSE carried out over 20 test purchase inspections at vape retailers in Kerry over an 18-month period.
That’s according to figures released to Radio Kerry from the Health Service.
Under the inspections the NEHS monitors retailers compliance with Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023.
The figures show that one store in the county was prosecuted for selling vapes to children as a result of the checks.
From January 2024 to the end of June this year, 102 retailers nationally were found to be non-compliant with the sale of vapes to children.
The HSE National Environmental Health Service carries out the inspection to monitor compliance through its annual test purchase programme.
Since the end of 2023, it has been illegal to sell vapes to children under the age of 18; with fines of up to €4,000 and up to six months imprisonment for offenders.
According to the figures from the HSE, 24 test purchase inspections were carried out in Kerry over the 18-month period.
Of these, one retailer in North Kerry was found to be non-compliant, with the HSE taking a prosecution against the retailer - Wicked Shop, William Street, Listowel.
The retailer appeared before the court on May 1st under Section 28 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 to 2024.
It was convicted and fined €750, while costs of €800 were awarded to the HSE.
Radio Kerry has contacted Wicked Shop for comment
