Illegal vapes and alcohol seized as Lancs shops caught selling to underage kids

Hundreds of illegal vapes have been seized after shops across Lancashire were caught selling to under-age children in a sting operation.

Trading Standards officers from Lancashire County Council joined forces with Lancashire Constabulary to test businesses in Rossendale, Fleetwood, South Ribble, Preston and Fylde. Volunteers aged 13 to 16 were able to purchase alcohol or vapes at eight of the 49 businesses tested. Penalty charge notices were issued by Lancashire Constabulary for the alcohol sales and enforcement action will be considered by Trading Standards for the vape sales. Trading Standards also seized more than 590 non-compliant vapes during the operation.During the test purchasing crackdown, which took place over the Easter period, four out of 13 premises tested sold vapes, four out of 35 premises tested sold alcohol, and one shop was tested for cigarette sales but did not sell any.

Trading Standards manager Angela Lomax said: "Although we are pleased that the vast majority of the businesses that were tested did not sell to the volunteers, we are still disappointed that eight still chose to sell alcohol and vapes to children. A robust 'Check 25' policy is the best way for businesses to eliminate sales to underage customers.

"We encourage anyone who has concerns about the sale of any age-restricted products to report these to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133."

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