Underage Sales of E-Cigarettes Exposed in Lancashire County

According to the official website of Lancashire County Council, this summer, more than 50 covert operations were carried out in various areas of Lancashire, UK, revealing that one-third of the shops were illegally selling e-cigarettes to underage volunteers.

The Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team partnered with Lancashire County Police for joint action, visiting 56 shops in Lancaster, Wyre, Preston, Ribble Valley, Chorley, Hyndburn, Burnley, and Pendle in July and August. According to the law, e-cigarettes cannot be sold to those under 18, and staff are required to follow the "Challenge 25" rule, requesting identification from anyone who appears to be under 25.

In 56 test purchase attempts, 20 stores failed to pass the test and sold e-cigarettes to volunteers. Among them, four stores sold e-cigarettes that did not comply with relevant safety regulations, leading law enforcement officials to confiscate over 300 non-compliant e-cigarettes.

The trade standards team is currently investigating these cases of failed tests, which could lead to legal action. The maximum penalty for selling e-cigarettes to minors is a fine of £2,500.

Lancashire County Council Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Member Councilor Michael Green stated that,...

Our summer undercover operation highlights the need to improve efforts in preventing young people from purchasing e-cigarettes. It is disappointing that our team found 20 stores willing to ignore regulations and sell these products to young residents of Lancashire.

Lancashire Police community policing supervisor Dave Byrne stated that

Selling e-cigarettes to children is not only illegal, but it can also put them at risk and lead to antisocial behavior problems. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure these products do not end up in the hands of children and will take strict measures against those who illegally sell them.