Tackling sales of vapes to children

Recent survey work by Dundee City Council’s Trading Standards team found that five shops in the city were willing to sell disposable vapes to a seventeen-year-old volunteer.

The exercise, which was intelligence-led, targeted eight retailers based in the local authority area.

Of the premises visited five sold vapes to the under-age volunteer in breach of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (as amended) – a failure rate of 62%. As a result, Fixed Penalty Notices were issued and paid by the offending premises.

Procedures were checked in the problematic premises and guidance issued to improve compliance.

In the case of one city centre seller, this was the second occasion they have received such a penalty – should a third offence in a two-year period occur then a Tobacco and Nicotine Vaping Product Banning Order will be sought by the Council.

It is a legal requirement that shops who sell nicotine vapour products, more commonly known as vapes, must have an age verification policy in place.

Community Safety and Public Protection Committee Convener Councillor Christina Roberts said: “Our Trading Standards team carries out vital work by cracking down on the unscrupulous retailers who are selling these products to young people without the legally required age verification checks.

“It is important that sellers of vaping products comply with rules that were established to safeguard public health, and that they do not end up in the hands of children.

“We must remember that the laws were put in place to protect young people from harm – nicotine addiction is a threat and one disposable vape contains the same amount of nicotine as 48 cigarettes.

“It is disappointing that some retailers have ignored their own systems in regard to disposable vape sales. Our Trading Standards officers will be following up on the matters discovered directly with the retailers.”

Individuals who have any further information in relation to the sale of age restricted products, such as tobacco or vapes to children, can report them to our Trading Standards team via their partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot.

The Business Companion, operated by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), provides guidance for retailers on the sale of tobacco and vapes on their website, including how to ensure they are only sold to adults.

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