Underage Vape Sales

Please present this data annually for each of the below periods:
1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023
1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022
1st January 2021 > 31st Dec 2021
1st January 2020 > 31st Dec 2020
1st January 2019 > 31st Dec 2019

The data given relates to the Heart of the South West Trading Standards area – which includes the areas covered by Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Somerset Council and Torbay Council.

Data is not available outside of the periods referred to below.

How many reports has your local authority received concerning underage vape sales?

1st January 2020 > 31st Dec 2020 – 2
1st January 2021 > 31st Dec 2021 – 12
1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 113
1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 135

How many confirmed cases of businesses unlawfully selling vaping products to underage persons have been identified, either through test purchasing or other means?

1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 3 premises failed test purchases
1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 6 premises failed test purchases

How many warnings have been issued to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – Service warning letter was issued relating to 1 premise, written advice to 2 premises
1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – Service warning letters were issued relating to 5 premises

How many license reviews, fines or penalties have been issued to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

None

What is the total value of fines or penalties issued (GBP), to businesses caught selling vaping products to underage persons?

We have not issued any such fines

If available for each of the above data points, please provide data specifying the business premises category unlawfully selling vapes to underage persons.

Specifically:
·
Convenience shop

1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 1
1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 5

·
Physical vape shop

1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 1·

Fuel garages/forecourts
·
Market stalls

1st January 2022 > 31st Dec 2022 – 1
1st January 2023 > 31st Dec 2023 – 1
·
Online marketplaces (e.g ebay)
·
Social media channels
·
Online vaping retailer