1,000 ‘unsafe’ vapes have been seized and warnings issued for underage vape selling on the Isle of Wight.
Acting on intelligence, the Isle of Wight Council has taken enforcement action against local businesses selling vapes to underage children, as well as illegal ones.
In the UK, there is legislation which restricts the size of vapes and refill containers; the strength of nicotine in the liquid; bans certain ingredients or colourings and requires labels and warnings on packaging.
After being told about ‘alleged, non-compliant’ vapes, predominantly relating to oversized tanks and or poor labelling, a Council spokesperson said ‘unsafe’ vapes were seized from businesses by Trading Standards officers, and written warnings issued.
So far this year, the council has seized around 1,000 vapes which were voluntarily surrendered for destruction.
The authority has also carried out underage test-purchasing exercises, where volunteers are used to make sure businesses are compliant with legislation. The legal age for vaping, buying vape juice or any related product in the UK is 18. It is also illegal for adults to buy products for anyone under 18.
A Council spokesperson said the authority has found some failures this year, where businesses have failed to pass the underage tests, and resulted in written warnings and follow-up tests.
If further failure is identified the Council will consider further enforcement action, it confirmed.
1 seller, who failed an underage test, was on the street outside the Isle of Wight Festival and given a written warning.
The Council carried out tests inside the Isle of Wight Festival, working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, and found it was compliant with regulations.
Too many sellers selling to young, underage kids. Not only vapes, cigarettes and knives. Must be stopped and the only way is to fine sellers, heavily!
Vapes are babies dummies for adults. Adults should just stop pretending and walk about sucking their thumb like the child they are.
It is embarrassing seeing grown up adults
Sucking on their Vapes like they are babies again
Goo Goo Ga Ga
Well done IWC Crack down on vapes .. but do nothing about the dangerous/ lethal Beryl bikes and scooters .. do you ever listen and learn ?? Your support is responsible for the fatalities that will happen ..
Agreed and the poor road visibility at junctions.
But with regards to Vapes, teenagers are buying by dozen online and then selling at school and town/parks making a profit. No age checking on line and no come back to seller if a problem.
I wonder who is responsible if an accident happens on Beryl bikes or Scooters?
None of the users wear safety helmets, should a serious accident take place
I imagine Beryl are liable.
Proves my point Health and Safety is non existent on the island.
IW COUNCIL should make sure safety equipment is provided.
I thought persons had to be 18 to vape
When driving along roads so many school children are vaping
DOES THE LAW NOT SEE THIS??
Fine their parents heavily and STOP their benefits if they are on Benefits