Two South Cumbrian businesses have sold vapes to under-18s in a sting carried out by Trading Standards.
Nine retailers in Barrow and Ulverston were targeted in the operation, launched after complaints from Cumbria police, concerned parents, and members of the public.
An underage test buyer was sent in to see if they were sold an e-cigarette.
Seven refused to sell them a vape, but two failed the test.
Katrina Stephens, director of public health at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “It is a criminal offence to sell nicotine vaping products to persons under the age of 18 years, or purchase them on behalf of under 18s. Traders found breaking these rules risk being prosecuted, and a possible maximum £2,500 fine.
“Trading Standards have seen a steep increase in harmful, non-compliant products on sale in shops and are working hard to crack down on the sales of e-cigarettes to under-18s.
“Further trading standards test purchasing operations will be carried out in the coming months and the service will do everything it can to keep these products out of the hands of young people in Westmorland and Furness.”
