£16k worth of products seized from shops selling illegal vapes

With councillors agreeing to take a stand against the underage sale of electronic cigarettes at a recent Town Hall meeting, the council's Trading Standards team made swoops at shops in Leigh, Wigan, Ashton, and Hindley.

With certain shops reported to the council about the potential of selling vapes to children, the Trading Standards team found vapes that held 10 times the legal limit of e-liquid.

Many more were found to have had incorrect information, labelling and packaging, which had placed local residents and young people at risk.

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Concerned about the impact of vapes on young people, Councillor Jenny Bullen, cabinet portfolio holder for children and families, proposed a motion to support a crackdown against those selling illegal products at the latest meeting of the full council.

She said: “I am proud to have brought this proposal to the council chamber and for it to have received cross-party support, strongly expressing our intention to tackle the illegal sale of unauthorised vapes to underage children.

“It’s really concerning that we are seeing a rise in the numbers of young people vaping. Nationwide, there is concern that e-cigarettes are being marketed to teenagers who do not smoke rather than adults who are trying to quit.

“The long-term implications of young people vaping are unknown, and most vapes contain nicotine, which is incredibly addictive.”

Councillors have grown increasingly concerned about the sale of vapes to children (Image: Canva)

Rachel Musgrave, Director for Public Health at Wigan Council, said: “Taking action to seize illegal vapes is crucial to protect people from harm, especially our children and young people.

“We also need tighter national regulations around advertising and marketing as well as stronger licensing and regulation of vapes to protect children and young people from harm and the risk of setting them up for a life-long dangerous smoking habit.

“I would encourage parents and carers to proactively speak to their children about the use of vapes and explain the risks and dangers associated with them.”

A recent survey by Trading Standards North West showed a big increase in young people vaping with 14 per cent claiming to have vaped more than once a week, compared to six per cent in 2020.

Anyone wishing to report underage sales of vapes or other Trading Standards issues can contact the council team at 0808 223 1133 or ts@wigan.gov.uk