1. How many prosecutions have been sought by Trading Standards against retailers for a) illicit tobacco and vape sales b) under-aged tobacco and vape sales in your local authority, in the last five years (2019 to 2024)
a) 2
b) 3
2. Whether there is a minimum number of illicit tobacco and vape possession offences a retailer must have received before prosecution is sought? If so, what is the minimum number?
3. Whether there is a minimum quantity of illicit tobacco and vape products Trading Standards officers must seize from a retailer before prosecution is sought? If so, what is the minimum quantity ?
4. Whether there is a minimum value of illicit tobacco and vape products Trading Standards officers must seize from a retailer before prosecution is sought? If so, what is the minimum value?
In response to questions 2-4, there is no set minimum value of products, quantity seized or number of alleged offences before a prosecution may be pursued. Any decisions on whether to take a prosecution are based on our Enforcement Policy.