Cumbria shops are praised for upholding the law after an operation found none of the shop was selling cigarettes or vapes to minors among those tested.
According to local reports, Cumberland Council's Trading Standards service conducted the operation in Workington, Maryport, and Silloth, where all 17 retail premises visited refused to sell to underage volunteers after asking for their ID.
The operation aimed to ensure compliance with the law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and nicotine-containing vapes to individuals under 18.
Cumberland councillor and executive member for policy and regulatory services, Councilor Bob Kelly, said, "I’m delighted to see that all 17 of the shops visited throughout this operation have complied with the laws and legislation which prohibits the sale of cigarettes and nicotine-containing vape products to those under the age of 18.
"This is a fantastic result and testament to the hard work of our Trading Standards team who work alongside Cumberland business owners to ensure that their wares are safe and legal. This operation very much follows Cumberland Council’s policy of warning and advising traders before any offences are committed."
There are strict laws on the sale of cigarettes and nicotine vaping products, with traders found to be in breach of the rules at risk of prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500. The operation took place on August 20 in Workington and August 28 in Silloth and Maryport.
Simon Hannah
