Hampshire shop investigated for allegedly selling vaping devices to minors

Authorities dispatched youth volunteers to 17 shops in Hampshire to see if they could purchase e-cigarettes without age verification.

These items should only be sold to individuals over 18, but the agency stated that the eye-catching colors and fruity flavors attract impressionable youths.

During the testing operation, shop staff in Havant and Aldershot illegally sold e-cigarettes to minors.
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, responsible for trading standards, stated: "The increase in youth smoking has raised significant concerns among parents, prompting us to intensify our efforts to combat the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to those under 18."

"Our trading standards team has provided retailers with guidance on how to check to ensure they do not sell products to minors. I am pleased that this follow-up action found that most retailers are complying with the law and did not sell products to our volunteers. In the rare instances where sales occurred, investigations are underway, which may lead to prosecutions."

Since September 2023, trading standards have removed illegal e-cigarettes and vaping products from shops across Hampshire, preventing illegal sales worth over £200,000. Trading standards continues to regularly visit businesses to ensure retailers comply with the law and take appropriate measures to prevent the sale of e-cigarettes and other age-restricted products to minors.

Recent surveys in Hampshire secondary schools and colleges show a significant increase in the percentage of young people trying and using e-cigarettes. The survey indicated that the percentage of students trying e-cigarettes increased from 4% in Year 7 to 53% in Year 13. Similarly, usage rates rose from 7% in Year 10 to 18% in Year 13. The council stated that anyone needing to report information about underage or illegal sales of cigarettes and e-cigarettes can contact Hampshire trading standards directly.