Weston-super-Mare councillor calls for stronger powers to close illegal vape shops
A councillor is calling for action after witnessing a child fall ill
A councillor from Weston-super-Mare is calling for urgent action from the government, after witnessing a child collapse after using a vape.
Councillor James Clayton was serving as a street warden when he rushed to the aid of a young boy who had fallen ill.
"The young lad was just throwing up repeatedly and was completely unconscious with shallow breathing," Clayton said, "you could see that his body was struggling. It was completely horrific to witness."
Councillor Clayton wants authorities and local police forces to be given more power to close vape shops down if they have been caught breaking the law.
"We need to be giving the police and local authorities more powers to be able to shut these shops a lot quicker than we are able to," he insisted. "It could potentially save lives."
"The public assume nothing‘s being done but that really isn’t the case.
"It’s just unfortunate that local authorities and police forces have to jump through so much red tape to be able to shut these shops down."
The government has responded with commitments to tackle the illicit sale of tobacco and vapes through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to allow authorities to issue fines and establish a licensing scheme for retailers.
A government spokesperson affirmed this initiative, stating: "We will not let organised crime groups endanger our high streets."
Alongside legislative measures, there are plans to invest £30 million annually into fortifying agency responses, including boosting Trading Standards workforce with 120 new apprentices focused on tobacco and vapes.