An ongoing investigation by Falkirk Council’s Trading Standards team has found a shocking insight into how rogue retailers are selling vapes/ e-cigarettes to young people under 18, contravening current legislation.
The undercover survey targeted four shops in the Falkirk area last month and discovered three out of the four were willing to sell items to underage young people and were given fixed penalties accordingly.
A previous undercover survey in April 2023 targeted six shops. Then, underage sales were made in five out of the six shops.
The Trading Standards team are continuing ongoing investigations this year where they have received allegations that children as young as 12 have been able to buy e-cigarettes/vape products from retailers in the Falkirk area.
The investigation comes on the back of a report earlier this month by the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards Officers in Scotland that showed that one in five retailers in Scotland were willing to sell to underage consumers.
Intelligence-led operation
In addition to the proactive preventative work the team is already doing, this particular response was led by intelligence offered by the public in relation to underage sales who alerted the team of their concerns.
Councillor Stacey Devine, spokesperson for Public Protection explained: “Our Trading Standards team will continue to clamp down on these illegal practices involving e-cigs and vapes.
“That said, the legislation is clear – no one under 18 is allowed to buy for themselves and no one over 18 should buy for underage young people.
“The shops found to be selling illegally will be monitored and if they continue to breach the law, they could be banned from selling these products for up to two years.
“All premises were visited by officers before the test purchases operation and reminded of the requirements to operate an age verification policy and to ask for ID from anyone who looks under the age of 25.
“We will continue to protect the public in our operations but stress if any retailer needs advice, to get in touch with us.”
Those found to be breaching legislation can be given fixed penalties of up to £1,200 and banned from selling products for up to two years.