A vape shop owner in Warrington has been fined over £1,200 for selling a vape to a child during a Trading Standards test purchasing operation, according to Warrington Worldwide.
Trading Standards Crackdown in Action
The underage sale was part of an enforcement campaign by Warrington Borough Council to identify retailers breaching age restriction laws.
The case was heard at Warrington Magistrates’ Court, where the business owner was ordered to pay the fine plus additional legal costs.
Youth Vaping Enforcement and National Policy
This prosecution comes amid a nationwide clampdown on underage vape sales.
In the last couple of years, the UK government introduced a broad “Stopping the Start” strategy, aimed at reducing youth access to nicotine products.
Key proposals include:
- A ban on disposable vapes
- Restrictions on flavours aimed at children
- Standardised packaging requirements
- Increased Trading Standards funding for local enforcement
Warrington’s test purchasing activity is part of this wider effort, with councils receiving additional support to crack down on non-compliant vape retailers.
The Industry View: Support for Enforcement, With Limits
Responsible actors in the vaping industry have long supported action against illegal sales to children, rightly so.
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) and IBVTA have both called for stronger enforcement — but with consistency and fairness.
- National retail licensing for vape sellers
- More effective policing of black market imports
- Targeted actions that don’t punish compliant businesses
“We need a vape retail licensing scheme which comes with conditions so that we have a sensible model for retail vape sales.
Break the terms of the licence, and just like a driving licence, you get fined and points build up if you keep breaking it until you are banned and out of the game.”
— UKVIA spokesperson, via previous press statement
The biggest difference that could be made is by cracking down on illegal imports from China. Even today there are online stores based in the UK stocking and selling illegal vapes.
These are mainly devices over the 2ml capacity that include nicotine. They are not hiding the fact they do this either.
While I don’t personally agree with even those restrictions the laws are in place and must be followed.
Once the disposable ban comes into place, along with the possible restriction on flavours the black market sellers will be rubbing their hands together. Pay day time for them whilst law abiding vapers get screwed over.
Imagine flat out taking away the very thing that is keeping them off tobacco.
Vaping Still Matters for Harm Reduction
While preventing underage access is crucial, public health organisations including Public Health England and the NHS continue to endorse vaping as a key harm reduction tool for adult smokers.
- Enforcement must not deter smokers from switching
- Reputable vape shops play a critical role in cessation support
- Resources should also target illicit and unregulated sellers
