Kendal retailers commended after 100% success rate in test purchasing  

Westmorland & Furness Council’s Trading Standards service and Cumbria Police have praised retailers following a covert operation to test the sale of e-cigarettes products to under 18s.

Acting on intelligence from concerned parents, schools and members of the public, the services visited 12 premises in Kendal and found all retailers refused to sell vapes to the underage test purchasers.

“Our staff work closely with traders to ensure compliance with the law and these undercover checks form a vital part of this process,” a spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards said.

“The 12 traders in Kendal targeted during our recent covert operation should be commended for complying with the law and preventing the sale of these products to underage customers.”

It is a criminal offence to sell nicotine vaping products to persons under the age of 18 years, or purchase them on their behalf. Traders found to be breaking these rules risk being prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.

To report underage sales of vaping products, or if you are a retailer seeking clarification of the law, contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit adviceguide.org.uk.