31 May 2023
Your request
We are conducting research on how regulators and enforcement bodies are addressing compliance issues in the vaping sector covering:
* Environmental obligations
* Under-age and illicit sales
* Product quality and safety standards
* Inappropriate marketing and advertising
The aim of the study is to encourage the vaping industry to ensure that they are fully complying with all regulations, particularly in light of the increased scrutiny that is being put on the sector currently on issues such as youth vaping, rise in counterfeit and non-compliant products and environmental impact.
We are particularly interested in understanding the following from Lambeth Trading Standards. If information/data is not available for all years listed, please provide for years you can. Many thanks.
1. What new initiatives have Lambeth Trading Standards put in place since 2021 to address under age and illicit sales in the vaping sector?
2. How many vape retailers did Lambeth Trading Standards raid due to suspicion that they were involved in underage/illicit vape sales:
- 2021
- 2022
- To date in 2023
3. How many illicit vape products has Lambeth Trading Standards seized during:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date
4. How many vape retailers did Lambeth Trading Standards successfully prosecute for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date
5. How many vape retailers were Lambeth Trading Standards unsuccessful in prosecuting for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date
6. What were the levels of fines that Lambeth Trading Standards gave out to vape retailers/resellers who were prosecuted for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date
7. How many staff did Lambeth Trading Standards deploy to enforce regulations to safeguard against under age and non-compliant vape sales during:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
Our response
- What new initiatives have Lambeth Trading Standards put in place since 2021 to address underage and illicit sales in the vaping sector?
The trading standards team conducts unannounced compliance visits of retail outlets selling vapes to provide business advice and where non-compliant products are identified, seized for further investigation. Also, we conduct intelligence led Underage test purchases with Police cadets in relation to all age restricted products including vapes. Lambeth also promote the responsible retailer scheme which aims to protect local traders from falling foul of the law by providing support and advice on important trading legislation concerning the responsible sale of alcohol, cigarette and knives and the consequences of selling these products to minors. Going forward, Lambeth will work with Central Government around new initiatives and grant funding to carry out more targeted enforcement and education.
2. How many vape retailers did Lambeth Trading Standards raid due to suspicion that they were involved in underage/illicit vape sales:
- 2021 - 0
- 2022 - 15
- To date in 2023 - 10
3. How many illicit vape products has Lambeth Trading Standards seized during:
- 2021 – 0 (None)
- 2022 - 50
- 2023 to date - 150
4. How many vape retailers did Lambeth Trading Standards successfully prosecute for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021 – 0 (None)
- 2022 – 0 (None)
- 2023 to date – 0 (None)
5. How many vape retailers were Lambeth Trading Standards unsuccessful in prosecuting for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021 - Nil
- 2022 - Nil
- 2023 to date - Nil
6. What were the levels of fines that Lambeth Trading Standards gave out to vape retailers/resellers who were prosecuted for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021 - Nil
- 2022 - Nil
- 2023 to date - Nil
7. How many staff did Lambeth Trading Standards deploy to enforce regulations to safeguard against underage and non-compliant vape sales during:
- 2021 – 0 (None)
- 2022 – 2 (Two)
- 2023 – 1.2.