Freedom of information response

Underage Vape Sales

Publication date: 
Friday 14 June 2024
Request: 

1.       How many reports has your local authority received concerning underage vape sales?

2.       How many confirmed cases of businesses unlawfully selling vaping products to underage persons have been identified, either through test purchasing or other means?

3.       How many warnings have been issued to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

4.       How many license reviews, fines or penalties have been issued to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

5.       What is the total value of fines or penalties issued (GBP), to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

Response: 

Please see information below

1.       How many reports has your local authority received concerning underage vape sales?

  • 1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 28 from February to December

•         Convenience shop - 15

•         Physical vape shop - 13

  • 1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 15 complaints from January to December

•         Convenience shop - 11

•         Physical vape shop - 2

  • 1st January 2021 > 31st Dec 2021 – 6 complaints from May to November

•         Physical vape shop (all complaints against)

  • 1st January 2020 > 31st Dec 2020 – No Data
  • 1st January 2019 > 31st Dec 2019 – No Data

2.       How many confirmed cases of businesses unlawfully selling vaping products to underage persons have been identified, either through test purchasing or other means?

  • 1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 10 C25 Failures, 4 UAS Failures, 3 Seizures

•         Convenience shop - 3

•         Physical vape shop - 2

  • 1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 10 C25 Failures, 2 UAS Failures, 6 Seizures

•         Convenience shop - 8

•         Physical vape shop -1

  • 1st January 2021 > 31st Dec 2021 – No Data
  • 1st January 2020 > 31st Dec 2020 – No data
  • 1st January 2019 > 31st Dec 2019 – No Data

3.       How many warnings have been issued to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

  • 1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 7 Departmental Warnings
  • 1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 8 Departmental Warnings
  • 1st January 2021 > 31st Dec 2021 – No Data
  • 1st January 2020 > 31st Dec 2020 – No Data
  • 1st January 2019 > 31st Dec 2019 – No Data

4.       How many license reviews, fines or penalties have been issued to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

  • 1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 2 license reviews and 1 voluntary surrender of License, 1 Closure Order

•         Convenience shop – 3

•         Physical vape shop – 1

  • 1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – No Data
  • 1st January 2021 > 31st Dec 2021 – No Data
  • 1st January 2020 > 31st Dec 2020 – No Data
  • 1st January 2019 > 31st Dec 2019 – No Data

5.       What is the total value of fines or penalties issued (GBP), to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

No Data

Request reference:
FOI 13914