Local councils in England have uncovered a disturbing trend of shops illegally selling nicotine vapes to minors. From 2022 to 2024, trading standards bodies recorded over 3,700 incidents involving underage sales. This crackdown involves teenagers like Oliver, who goes undercover to buy vapes. Although many shops refuse to sell to him, he has successfully purchased vapes, exposing retail practices that risk minors' health. These actions come amidst government recognition of the dangers nicotine vapes pose, especially to adolescents, marking a significant public health concern and regulatory challenge.
We just go in, ask for it and they just hand it straight over. Don't ask anything. Sometimes they're more sneaky. Try hand it to you in secret, make sure no-one notices.
Of the 136 trading standards bodies in England, 133 responded to Freedom of Information requests from the BBC. Between 2022 and 2024, they recorded at least: 3,774 reports of shops selling vapes to children.
When he is sold one, he hands it to a trading standards officer waiting outside the shop. It felt really dodgy.
Selling nicotine vapes to under-18s is illegal in the UK. The government says nicotine vapes carry the risk of harm and addiction, which is particularly acute for adolescents.
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