Rotherham Council urged to take a tough approach on illegal vape sales to young people
A motion due before the next full council meeting says illegal products are undermining legitimate businesses
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is being urged to take a tougher approach with retailers selling illegal vapes and tobacco to youngsters.
A motion due before the next full council meeting on July 15 says illegal products are undermining legitimate businesses, exposing consumers to unsafe products, and fuelling criminal activity.
Conservative councillors Adam Tinsley and Zach Collingham raise concerns about what they describe as an increase of vape retailers especially around schools and claims some products are too strong, or contain substances such as synthetic cannabis and THC.
Cllrs Tinsley and Collingham add that parents, schools and responsible retailers have all reported concerns about underage sales.
The motion calls for an urgent review into the council’s staffing of trading standards, arguing that the service is under resourced as intelligence and complaints increase.
It also calls for ‘robust’ enforcement, including the use of closure orders for rogue traders, in a bid to demonstrate a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach.
Councillors would also be asked to support more test purchases urge council leader Chris Read to write to the government to request more funding.
If the motion is backed, it will be considered by the councils overview and scrutiny management board within six months, with a progress report requested within a year.