Consumer group Which? has shared the findings of a recent investigation conducted in a London borough which found multiple businesses illegally selling age restricted products - including vapes and lip fillers - to minors.
Which? sent teenagers aged between 14 and 17 wearing hidden cameras into shops on the high street to try to buy vapes and book lip filler appointments. It’s illegal for companies to sell vapes or book botox and lip filler appointments for anyone under 18.
During one visit, when asked for their age, the teenager said they were 18. They were then asked for ID, but said they didn’t have it. Despite this, the shop then tried to upsell the teenager a deal for two vapes for £20.
Which? are now calling for strategic national reform of Trading Standards to meet an ever-widening portfolio of enforcement duties, to better target resources at national challenges and priorities and better protect consumers across the country.
Reacting to the investigation, CEO of the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), Gillian Golden, said: “Local authorities have seen successive funding cuts from central government alongside significant rising financial pressures. The IBVTA applauds the work by trading standards teams across the country to level the playing field for legitimate businesses and make sure that all age restricted products are sold responsibly.
“We also support the measures in the Tobacco & Vapes Bill which will introduce a licensing scheme for retailers and allow local authorities in England and Wales to retain proceeds from licensing and age of sale offences, for enforcement purposes.”
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