Ministers are expected to pledge a crackdown on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s with an “illicit vapes enforcement squad”. The task forces would conduct “test purchasing” at shops and share “intelligence” across regional networks and local authorities, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The Government is also due to announce the launch of a call for evidence to identify other opportunities to reduce the number of children using vapes. The squads would also have the power to remove illegal products from shops and at borders.
The DHSC said the squads would be made up of a select team of trading standards officers, who investigate whether businesses are following the law.
