Kensington and Chelsea council crack down on illegal vape sales to youths

Undercover trading standards officers have carried out ‘test purchasing’ to unmask sales of vapes to young people by at least two retailers in Kensington & Chelsea.

The local authority is determined to crack down on illegal vapes and the supply of vapes to under-18s, which is illegal.

The council recently revealed that 3,000 illegal vapes, worth £24,000, had been seized from the Portobello and Earl’s Court areas, with warning letters issued to six traders.

Most of the haul was smuggled from the USA, which carries volumes and strengths banned under UK law.

But it is the attempt to sell to the under-aged buyers which is of particular concern.

Councillor Josh Rendall, lead member for local economy & employment, said: “These vapes are being designed and marketed to purposefully mislead people.

“They have no place in our borough. I am particularly worried about these products being sold to young people. 

“Our trading standards team will continue to work hard to protect people from products that are non-compliant or misleading.” 

A council spokesman added: “A number of vapes have been stylised to mimic famous brands. While there is no evidence that the stores we have visited have [regularly] supplied vapes to underage people, we have carried out several “test purchase” operations where underage vapes have been purchased by a minor. 

“The last operation was last week, where two retailers supplied vapes to an under-age person. Investigations in relation to this are ongoing.” 

As for retailers trying to sell the illegal vapes from the USA, the spokesman said: “If they are found to have restocked, we may consider formal action. It is up to the courts to determine fine levels.”

Pictured above: Some of the illegal haul seized (Picture: RBKC)