Wicklow XL Stop and Shop avoids conviction over sale of cigarettes to teenager
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow-based retail company has avoided a criminal conviction after a staff member sold cigarettes to a 15-year-old during a test purchase carried out by Environmental Health Officers.
Connaught Retail Limited, with a company address at 37 Corke Abbey, Bray, Co Wicklow, appeared at Bray District Court on a summons brought by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The summons related to an incident in which a staff member, Catriona Kinsella, at XL Stop and Shop in Rathnew, Co Wicklow, sold cigarettes to a child under the age of 18.
Ms Kinsella was also summonsed; however, the court was informed that if the owner of the shop, a Chinese national, pleaded guilty, the charge against Ms Kinsella would be dropped.
On November 21, 2025, Environmental Health Officers carried out a test purchase. During the operation, Ms Kinsella did not ask for identification. The decoy used was 15 years old.
Counsel for Connaught Retail Limited, Connor Rubalcava BL, noted that his client operates three retail shops in Rathnew, Monkstown, and another location, and that there is signage throughout the businesses stating that customers must be 18 to purchase any nicotine products, including vapes.
He told the court that Ms Kinsella was going through a difficult period in her personal life at the time, as her mother was ill, and that the incident amounted to a complete lapse in concentration.
Ms Kinsella has worked for the business for over 10 years and was described as a diligent employee.
Counsel for the HSE submitted an application for costs totalling €6,600.
“My client is prepared to pay €800 towards any costs,” said Mr Rubalcava.
The court was told that this was a first offence and that the usual precedent in such cases is a donation to a charitable organisation, which results in no conviction.
A donation was ordered to be made to Talk To Tom, a community-based mental health charity active in Bray and across County Wicklow. Talk To Tom focuses on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and bereavement support within the local community.
Judge Aine Shannon awarded the HSE costs of €2,000, leaving the operator of the business with no conviction. She warned that “children don’t have the capacity over what they purchase, so be more careful”.