I have become concerned about increasing evidence of vapes being sold locally to people under the age of 18 and I know I am not alone. As such I wrote to West Sussex County Council's Trading Standards asking what action they are taking against those retailers selling vapes illegally.
As we all know, this is a country wide issue and not unique to Horsham or West Sussex. Having said that, I am disappointed to have been told by WSCC that in a recent test operation a 16 year old volunteer was sold vapes by two shops in Horsham.
Where a trader is found to have sold age restricted products to a child during a test operation and has an alcohol licence then Trading Standards will apply for a review of the alcohol licence in addition to any formal action that may be taken against the trader. This clearly has potentially very significant implications.
There has been an increase in the number of outlets in the town centre selling vapes and alcohol and we need them all to be acting responsibly on age restrictions - which are there for a reason.
To assist local enforcement at a national level a new “illicit vapes enforcement squad” led by Trading Standards and backed by £3 million of Government funding has been set up and will help enforce the rules on vaping and tackling illicit vapes and underage sales.
