A crackdown on under-age sales of e-cigarettes has revealed that shops in Lancaster and Morecambe visited by trading standards illegally sold vaping products to children.
Following a huge increase in reports of under-age e-cigarettes sales, Lancashire County Council trading standards officers, supported by the police, carried out test purchasing operations during half-term.
Volunteers aged between 14 and 16 visited shops and were able to buy disposable vape pens from 11 of them, in areas across Lancashire, including premises in Lancaster and Morecambe.
Investigations into the sales are ongoing.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "These sales are illegal and potentially damaging to young people's health. We won't tolerate anyone selling vaping products to children under the age of 18.
"This test purchasing crackdown is vital to ensure that local businesses are operating within the law. We're very concerned that a third of the shops visited sold vaping products to under-18s.
"A number of shops that were visited during these operations have previously received warning letters and advice in relation to the law in this area, so we need to carry out further investigations as to why the sales were made and take action to ensure it doesn't happen again."
Action trading standards could take includes using its enforcement powers to issue cautions, or prosecute sellers and business owners, which can result in fines of up to £2,500.
County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Vaping can be very damaging to young people's health.
"The major issue is young people who do not already smoke taking up vaping. This can lead to them moving on to cigarette smoking, and potentially forming a habit that could be massively damaging to their health. The other concern is the high level of nicotine that can be delivered by vaping devices.
"Most of the products in this test purchasing crackdown cost just £4 - £10, which are pocket money prices for many children.
"The products are very appealing to under 18s due to their price, bright colours, and fruity flavours so it's imperative we do all we can to limit opportunities for young people to buy them.
"Test purchase operations like this are a key part of our plans to protect young people's future health and reduce the burden of smoking on our communities."
Further trading standards test purchasing operations will be carried out in the coming months.
To report underage sales of vaping products, contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or report them online at the Citizens Advice webpage.
Anyone wanting help and support to stop smoking can contact the Lancashire Quit Squad, a free service provided by the NHS and commissioned by the county council. To find out more, visit www.quitsquad.nhs.uk
Three arrests made in Lancaster police crackdown as e-bikes seized
Partnership delivers knockout results for young people in Lancaster
Morecambe hosts counter pollution training exercise
Two arrested and charged after alcohol related incidents in Carnforth
Operator of main train line through Lancaster and Morecambe Bay to be nationalised
Event will celebrate military heritage of the Lancaster Campus of University of Cumbria
Samba Espirito celebrate 10th anniversary with spectacular Bay Drumfest
Crews deal with car on fire on M6 near Lancaster
Crews tackle lorry on fire on Bay Gateway
‘Significant sum’ stolen from pensioner amid reports of courier fraud in Lancaster and Carnforth
New public telescope in Morecambe offers spectacular views across bay
Council vows to take action in aftermath of Lancaster and Morecambe floods
Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday and town film festival up for Lancashire Tourism Awards
Two wards at Royal Lancaster Infirmary set to close as part of community care plans
Leading Morecambe councillor defects from MBIs to Greens
Morecambe sports and social club saved and set to reopen
Council leader explains reason for Frontierland decision delay
BBC documentary series explores Lancaster University slave-trade research
"No decision made" to demolish Morecambe bus shelter as campaigners speak out at town hall
Crews tackle fire at Lancaster house
