IBVTA responds to Which? investigation into illegal underage sales

Consumer champions Which? have shared the findings of a recent investigation conducted in a London borough which found multiple businesses illegally selling age restricted products, including vapes and lip fillers, to minors. 

Out of the eight shops visited, five of them sold nicotine vapes to underage secret shoppers. In some cases the shops did not ask for ID at all. Other times, the teenager was asked for ID and when they said they didn’t have it with them, they were sold the vape regardless.

Which? are calling for strategic national reform of Trading Standards to meet an ever-widening portfolio of enforcement duties, to better target resources at national challenges and priorities and better protect consumers across the country. 

Responding to the investigation, CTSI Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: “With local government reorganisation and devolution underway across England, it is the time to act to promote, protect and invest in what matters: a local service that delivers for the consumer, the honest business, the economy and public health across the UK.

Without adequate investment in trading standards, we will continue to see unsafe, dangerous goods flooding the market, short measures of goods, unsafe food, disease outbreaks affecting both livestock and pets, a rise in doorstep crime, scams and fraud and many more.” 

CEO of the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), Gillian Golden, said:

“Local authorities have seen successive funding cuts from central government alongside significant rising financial pressures. The IBVTA applauds the work by trading standards teams across the country to level the playing field for legitimate businesses and make sure that all age restricted products are sold responsibly.

We also support the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which will introduce a licensing scheme for retailers and allow local authorities in England and Wales to retain proceeds from licensing and age of sale offences, for enforcement purposes.”