An operation in South Cumbria to test if traders would sell e-cigarettes to underage customers has been hailed as a success.
Cumbria police and Westmorland & Furness Council’s Trading Standards launched the operation to see if 12 retailers in Kendal would sell vapes to under-18s, following concerns raised by parents and schools.
All 12 refused. It is a criminal offence to sell them to persons under the age of 18, or purchase them on their behalf. Traders found to be breaking these rules risk being prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.
Disposable vapes can be appealing to under-18s due to their flavours and bright colours, along with prices between £4 and £8. E-cigarettes may contain nicotine which is highly addictive and young people who use these them may be encouraged to take up smoking in the future.
Trading Standards is concerned about the alarming increase in harmful non-compliant products on sale in shops and welcomed new Government proposals to crack down on the sales of e-cigarettes to under 18s.
A spokesman from Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards said: “Our staff work closely with traders to ensure compliance with the law and these undercover checks form a vital part of this process.
“All businesses should be asking for identification that proves a person is 18 years or older, such as a passport, driving license or proof of age card, before selling age-restricted products to young people. Additionally, businesses should be vigilant and challenge any adults who may be purchasing age-restricted products on behalf of an underage person.
“The 12 traders in Kendal targeted during our recent covert operation should be commended for complying with the law and preventing the sale of these products to underage customers.”
