In a recent operation led by Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards team, e-cigarettes were found to be sold to an underage individual in Swindon, prompting an ongoing investigation into the offending stores.
Collaborating with Wiltshire Police, the operation involved targeted test purchases to assess retailers’ compliance with the law regarding the sale of e-cigarette products to individuals under the legal age of 18.
The enforcement action concentrated on stores flagged by Trading Standards intelligence for potential non-compliance. Shockingly, two out of the five stores subjected to testing failed to adhere to the legal age restrictions, selling e-cigarette products to the underage purchaser.
Councillor Jim Grant, the Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working at Swindon Borough Council, expressed growing concerns about the rising popularity of disposable vapes among school-aged children saying “nicotine is highly addictive, and children should not be exposed to, or be experimenting with its use.
“It is also a criminal offence to sell e-cigarette devices to under 18s and to buy them on behalf of those not old enough. “I hope this latest operations serves as a reminder to retail premises that they should follow the law and that we will take action to ensure they are not selling these products to those under age.”
Acting Inspector, Tristan Winter, from Wiltshire Police said: “Wiltshire Police works closely with our partners to help disrupt criminal activity. The selling of e-cigarettes to those underage impacts their health and wellbeing, and we will continue to take action against anyone who puts young people at risk.”
Any information leading to the sale and supply of e-cigarettes or tobacco to underage children can be reported, anonymously, to Trading Standards at www.swillegaltobacco.info/report-it
Anyone who has any concerns or would like further advice can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
