Thousands of illegal vape products were seized and several shops were raided during a clampdown on underage e-cigarette sales. Trading Standards officers have raided shops across Bolton and took away 2,270 vape products after many concerns were raised about the illegal sale of vapes to under-18s.
In a major operation alongside Greater Manchester Police, the council visited shops that have been reported to be selling e-cigarettes to school-age children. The move comes after parents and headteachers have raised concerns over the growing national trend of vape use in schools.
Alongside the raids, a number of test purchases have been carried out to ensure shops are following their legal obligation to check ID before selling vapes. The council said that despite health issues related to the products, many vape products appear to be targeted and marketed specifically at young people.
This week’s direct action will be backed by a public awareness campaign and a communications toolkit for schools when pupils return in September. Bolton Council’s cabinet member for regulatory services, Coun Sue Haworth, said: “There is a legal age limit on vape products for a reason, selling e-cigarettes to under-18s is no different than selling them alcohol or cigarettes.
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“We carry out test purchases based on intelligence from members of the public to ensure shop owners are following the law. While the majority are compliant, it only takes a minority of shops flouting the rules to put the health of Bolton children at risk.
“This action will continue until the message is understood – Bolton will not tolerate the illegal sale of vapes to under-18s.”
The council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Coun Linda Thomas, said: “Vapes were designed to give adult smokers a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, and to ultimately help them stop smoking.
“They were never intended to be used by non-smokers, and most certainly never by young children. It is extremely worrying to see the number of young people who are becoming addicted, especially as little is known about the long-term health effects of continued vape use.
“We share the concern of local councils across the country and call on the industry to make sure their products are not designed to appeal to children.”
The operation also focused on the sale of unregulated vape products, seizing potentially dangerous goods that are not legally approved for sale in the UK.
Also available online, there is no way for customers to know what chemicals these unregulated vapes contain posing a serious health risk to users of all ages. During the series of raids, 2,270 illegal vape products were seized by Bolton Council’s Trading Standards Team.
Due to ongoing legal matters, the council has not named any specific businesses at this stage.
