Regulations prohibit the sale of vapes to under-18s. Outlets found to be breaking the rules risk being prosecuted. At one premise a vaping product was sold to a young person aged 15. The matter is now being reviewed and appropriate action will be taken.
National statistics show a rise in vaping by young people and so the Council’s Public Protection Service is increasing their activities to tackle the illegal sale of vapes and other age registered products to under 18’s.
Trading Standards will continue to regularly visit businesses to ensure that retailers are complying with the law and the correct measures are in place to prevent underage sales of vapes and other age restricted products. Officers are always happy to provide advice as part of the holistic approach to tackle this developing problem.
Commenting on the operation, Cllr Iskandar Jefferies, Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection said ‘Test purchasing forms just one part of our strategy to reduce the potential harm arising from unlawful sales of age restricted products which also includes work with retailers and young people’.
‘Vapes help smokers to kick the habit but unfortunately the bright colours and sweet flavours attract young people and its therefore important that store workers and business owners remain vigilant when selling these products.’
Anyone needing to report information concerning underage or illicit sales of cigarettes and vapes can contact Public Protection Partnership Trading Standards Team directly – tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
If you're a retailer more resources are available with regards to the legal requirements around vapes and vaping products sales, including posters you can display in your store by following the link below
Vaping Education Campaign - PPP (publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk)
