The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has launched a UK-wide initiative to identify and report rogue traders who are suspected of selling vapes to minors or stocking illicit goods.
The ‘Be Vape Vigilant’ initiative, supported by trading standards, the Association of Convenience Stores and the wider retail sector, has been created to mobilise legitimate retailers and the general public to play a key role in turning in those retail outlets and wholesale operations that are blatantly selling vapes to under 18-year-olds, or supplying potentially highly dangerous illicit vapes.
The campaign follows new research from compliance firm Arcus Compliance which shows local enforcement teams need greater resources and support in addressing youth access to vaping and illicit product sales.
A new online platform has been established by the UKVIA, where suspected unscrupulous retailers can be reported. The suspicious party needs to record the retailer’s name, location and a detailed account of the suspected illegal activity. The UKVIA will then pass the information on to the relevant authorities who will use the intelligence in their ongoing efforts to crackdown on rogue traders.
As part of the initiative, the UKVIA is providing a range of downloadable materials which responsible retailers can display in-store to encourage the general public to play a key role in bringing cowboy retailers and wholesalers to justice. All Be Vape Vigilant campaign promotions include a QR Code linking back to the online reporting facility.
Kate Pike, Lead Officer for Vaping at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “Most retailers work hard to ensure they only sell to adults, so any intelligence, which enables us to target enforcement at those who are breaking the law, is very much welcomed.”
John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, added: “The only way to stop youth vaping in its tracks is by getting to the root of the problem – those traders who are intent on breaking the law and getting away with it. We need as much help as possible from those who want to make an honest living from selling vapes and the general public who care about the welfare of their children.”
James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS, said: “Convenience Stores have a proud record of responsible retailing and we have made Challenge25 the standard across all age-restricted products with excellent results.
“However, underage sales of vaping products remain too high and we need to re-focus on preventing these, and retailers who sell to children are also often selling illegal vaping products. Responsible retailers want to see high standards enforced and the reporting protocols in this campaign will help identify irresponsible businesses and allow trading standards officers to focus their resources on them.”
