Vape pens are becoming "increasingly popular amongst secondary school children", Trading Standards says, in a development that raises questions of criminality.
Avon and Somerset Police has today shared a warning from Trading Standards South West about the spread of vape pens, which it describes as "low-cost flavoured e-cigarettes that are child-appealing". The pens are being obtained by children, "despite the law restricting their sales to over-18s only", according to the statement.
The warning continues: "Trading Standards is becoming increasingly concerned about these disposable vapes and their popularity amongst school-aged children who shouldn't have access to them. Nicotine is highly addictive, and minors should NOT be exposed to it or be experimenting with its use."
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It is also "a criminal offence [to sell] these devices to under-18s" or to purchase them on behalf of under-18s, it advises. Separately, there are also concerns around the packaging, batteries, and liquid and their effects on the environment if not disposed of correctly.
Anyone with knowledge of vapes being used or sold to under-18s or of non-compliant vapes being sold to anyone has been urged to report it anonymously to Trading Standards. Just today Avon and Somerset's neighbourhood team in North Somerset reported on "underage vape sales" in Weston-super-Mare.
It tweeted: "A three month closure order has been granted by a court on The Mini Mall, Oxford Street, WSM after reports of underage vape sales; drugs and weapons were also found on site. A successful team op by Weston Town Centre Team, Trading Standards and SW Illegal Tobacco team."
The NHS says vapes do contain harmful substances, though they are considered safer than traditional cigarettes. The health service's guidance says: "In the UK, e-cigarettes are tightly regulated for safety and quality. They're not completely risk free, but they carry a small fraction of the risk of cigarettes.
"E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke. The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, but at much lower levels." For more advice on smoking and how to give up, find your local NHS stop smoking service here.
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