Stratford businesses fail vape test purchases
Warwickshire Trading Standards made checks at five stores
Five Stratford-upon-Avon stores have had test purchases carried out, to make sure young people aren't getting hold of vapes illegally.
Warwickshire Trading Standards and Police found four of the businesses checked failed - and didn't check ID for underage sales.
Two further shops were also visited to attempt alcohol purchases, but volunteers were refused the sale.
It's illegal to sell vapes and alcohol to under 18s and for adults to buy them on their behalf.
Like cigarettes, vapes and vaping products contain nicotine and are age restricted.
Warwickshire County Council’s Executive Director for Communities, Mark Ryder, said:
“Warwickshire County Council takes the safety and wellbeing of young people very seriously, so we are taking action to prevent illegal sales and supporting individuals to quit vaping with our public health ‘stop vaping’ services.”
Stratford Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) Sergeant Clair Price said: “We were very pleased to be able to support our colleagues in Trading Standards as they ensure businesses across the town are playing their part in protecting young people from harm.
“It is rare that this number of businesses fail in test purchasing operations. While we’re disappointed, we’re pleased to be able to assist with holding those businesses to account.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside Trading Standards, who do brilliant work across the county."