Vape shops in Carlisle and Brampton have been praised following a test purchasing operation organised by Cumberland Council and Cumbria Police.
Cumberland Council’s Trading Standards service and Cumbria Police carried out the operation on Thursday 15 February 2024 in their latest crackdown of vape sales to minors.
The exercise aimed to ensure local businesses in Cumberland were complying with legislation and that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase nicotine containing vapes.
The operation saw all 11 of the retail premises visited challenge the underaged volunteers for identification before refusing the sale.
There are strict laws on nicotine vaping products, and it is a criminal offence to sell them to persons under the age of 18 years or purchase them on their behalf.
Traders found to be breaking these rules risk being prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.
Disposable e-cigarettes can be appealing to under-18s due to their flavours and bright colours.
E-cigarettes may contain nicotine which is highly addictive and young people who use them may be encouraged to take up smoking in the future.
Cumberland Councillor and Executive Member for Policy and Regulatory Services, Cllr Bob Kelly, said: “I’m delighted to see that all 11 of the shops visited throughout this operation have complied with the laws and legislation which prohibits the sale of nicotine containing vape products to those under the age of 18.
“This is a fantastic result, and testament to the hard work of our Trading Standards team who work alongside Cumberland business owners to ensure that their wares are safe and legal”.
Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Andy Leather said: “This operation is part of the work ongoing to ensure that stores are being vigilant in challenging those they suspect may be underage.
“We are pleased that the 11 stores tested challenged the underage volunteers for identification, and hope this acts as a warning to other stores to ensure they’re challenging those they believe might be underage, who have a professional duty not to sell alcohol or vapes to children.”
Cumberland residents are encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or email trading.standards@cumberland.gov.uk if they have any concerns regarding underage sales.