The UKVIA’s new initiative calls on retailers, consumers and the general public to report retail outlets, rogue retailers and wholesalers compliant in underage sales. The campaign, named Be Vape Vigilant, is supported by Trading Standards, ACS, and the wider retail sector, and designed to address the issue of youth vaping.
Be Vape Vigilant mobilises legitimate retailers, according to the UKVIA, and follows new research from compliance firm Arcus Compliance, which shows local enforcement teams need greater resources in addressing youth access to vaping and illicit product sales.
James Lowman, chief executive of ACS, commented: “Underage sales of vaping products remain too high and we need to re-focus on preventing these, and retailers who sell to children are also often selling illegal vaping products. Responsible retailers want to see high standards enforced and the reporting protocols in this campaign will help identify irresponsible businesses and allow Trading Standards officers to focus their resources on them.”
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) recently revealed around one third of shops knowingly sell vapes to minors, and that enforcement teams are spread ‘very thinly’ across a range of issues.
Kate Pike, Lead Officer at CTSI, said: “Trading Standards fully support the campaign and hope it will be effective in encouraging people to report instances of retailers selling to children or vapes that are either counterfeits or non-compliant with UK regulations. Most retailers work hard to ensure they only sell to adults, so any intelligence, which enables us to target enforcement at those who are breaking the law, is very much welcomed”.
The UKVIA has established a new online platform to report rogue retailers and wholesalers, with information required being the store’s name, location and a detailed account of the suspected activity.
John Dunne, director general of the UKVIA, added: “No one under the age of 18 – or who does not already smoke – should be using these products and it is wholly unacceptable that unscrupulous retailers are putting vapes in the hands of minors and stocking illicit goods.
“This campaign is designed to help Trading Standards uphold existing laws around product compliance and the prevention of underage access to vapes. We want consumers, legitimate retailers, parents, carers, teachers and the wider general public to be vape vigilant, come forward and report any suspected illegal activity.”
The UKVIA is also providing a range of downloadable materials which responsible retailers can display in-store to encourage the general public to play a key role in clamping down on cowboy retailers and wholesalers. The All Be Vape Vigilant campaign promotions include a QR Code linking back to the online reporting facility.
Dunne added: “The only way to stop youth vaping in its tracks is by getting to the root of the problem – those traders who are intent on breaking the law and getting away with it. We need as much help as possible from those who want to make an honest living from selling vapes and the general public who care about the welfare of their children.”
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