Teenagers have been helping to put the borough’s shopkeepers to the test, by seeing if they would illegally sell age-restricted items to them.
Selling vapes and alcohol to anyone under 18 years old is against the law. This year, Ealing Council’s trading standards and licensing enforcement teams have carried out 4 test purchasing operations so far, with the help of 9 volunteers aged 14 to 17 that clearly looked underage. With the supervision of authorised officers, the young people visited a series of shops in the borough to attempt to buy vapes – which contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance – or alcohol.
Caught in the act
Test purchasing is a way to check if retailers are complying with the law and asking for proof of age. Of the 38 shops visited, 5 shops failed the test, with the volunteers being able to buy vapes or alcohol without being challenged or asked for their proof of age. Illegal vapes and tobacco were also found and seized in 2 of the shops.
Investigations are ongoing in relation to these findings, and trading standards will work with the businesses to ensure they are fully aware of the law and their legal obligations.
Licensed premises that made sales had their licences reviewed due to the seriousness of the offence, and 1 shop had its licence revoked. Following the effectiveness of the operations, more test purchases will take place soon.
Business owners as well as the shop staff could face court action and a fine of up to £2,500 for selling vapes to a person under 18.
‘Cracking down on the issue’
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, joined one of the test purchasing operations on 22 June. She said: “The overwhelming majority of businesses in the borough are law-abiding and play a hugely important role in our community.
“Although it was disappointing that there were underage sales at 5 locations, it’s reassuring that 33 of the 38 shops are doing the right thing, and that our trading standards team is cracking down on this issue.
“This proactive operation has worked very well. I’m pleased to hear that more activities like this are being planned.”
Get in touch
You can report any concerns about businesses selling illegal vapes or tobacco anonymously by completing the web form on the council’s website.
Businesses who would like advice on the rules about the sale of vapes can reach out to the team by emailing tradingstandards@ealing.gov.uk.
