A recent sting operation conducted by Lancashire Constabulary and Trading Standards has led to the investigation of a Preston shop for selling vapes to minors. The shop, which has not been named, failed to ask for identification and sold a vape to a test purchaser, putting them under investigation.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, August 20, involved three test purchasers, all under the age of 18, attempting to purchase vapes from various shops across Preston. The results were alarming, with one shop failing to ask for ID and selling a vape to a minor.
Inspector Dave Byrne from Preston Police emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “Selling vapes to children is not only against the law but can also put them at serious risk. We will continue to listen to community concerns and work alongside Trading Standards to tackle this issue.”
Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, echoed Inspector Byrne’s sentiments, saying, “It is always important for us to join Lancashire Constabulary in making sure that the county’s children are safe from being sold vapes or cigarettes. This initiative saw one establishment fail when three young testers were sold vapes. Our Trading Standards will now take the lead on this investigation, and we will be looking to take the strongest possible action.”
The other two shops tested during the operation were found to be compliant, with all three test purchasers being asked for identification and refused service. This is a positive sign that the message is starting to sink in, and that some businesses are taking the necessary steps to ensure they are not selling to minors.
However, the failure of one shop to ask for ID and sell a vape to a minor is a stark reminder that there is still work to be done. Lancashire Constabulary and Trading Standards are urging parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children about the risks associated with vaping and the importance of age-checking.
The Risks of Vaping
Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people in recent years, with many believing it to be a safer alternative to smoking. However, the reality is that vaping can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than smoking.
The main risks associated with vaping include:
- Nicotine addiction: Vapes often contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can lead to a range of negative health effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating.
- Lung damage: Vaping has been linked to a range of lung problems, including popcorn lung, a condition that causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs.
- Increased risk of smoking: Vaping can increase the risk of smoking, as young people may be more likely to try smoking after trying vaping.
- Unknown long-term effects: The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, and it is possible that it could lead to a range of serious health problems in the future.
What You Can Do
If you have concerns that a shop may be breaking the law, report the business anonymously by phoning Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. You can also report any concerns or suspicions about underage vape sales to the authorities, helping to keep children safe and prevent illegal activities.
In addition, parents and guardians can take steps to educate themselves and their children about the risks associated with vaping and the importance of age-checking. This can include:
- Talking to your child about the risks of vaping and the importance of not vaping until they are 18.
- Educating yourself about the risks of vaping and the importance of age-checking.
- Supporting local businesses that are taking steps to ensure they are complying with the law and age-checking customers.
- Reporting any concerns or suspicions about underage vape sales to the authorities.
The Importance of Age-Checking
Age-checking is an important step in preventing underage vape sales. It is the responsibility of businesses to ensure that they are not selling vapes to minors, and that they are taking steps to verify the age of their customers.
Some ways that businesses can ensure they are age-checking effectively include:
- Asking for identification: Businesses should ask for identification from customers before selling them vapes, and should verify the age of the customer before making the sale.
- Displaying clear signs: Businesses should display clear signs indicating that they do not sell vapes to minors, and that they will ask for identification before making a sale.
- Training staff: Businesses should train their staff on the importance of age-checking and the procedures they should follow to ensure that they are verifying the age of their customers.
What’s Next
The investigation into the Preston shop is ongoing, and Trading Standards will be taking the lead on the case. The shop will face the strongest possible action, which could include fines and even closure.
Lancashire Constabulary and Trading Standards will continue to work together to tackle the issue of underage vape sales, and will be conducting further operations in the coming months.
In the meantime, parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant and to educate themselves and their children about the risks associated with vaping. By working together, we can keep our children safe and prevent illegal activities.
Conclusion
The sale of vapes to minors is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Lancashire Constabulary and Trading Standards are working together to tackle this issue, and are urging parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children about the risks associated with vaping.
By working together, we can prevent underage vape sales and keep our children safe. If you have concerns that a shop may be breaking the law, report the business anonymously by phoning Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.