Shops in Gedling borough will soon need a licence to sell vapes as part of a crackdown on rogue traders, the Government has announced.
Retailers will need a licence to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products to help “root out” rogue operators, give enforcement officers stronger powers to shut them down and protect legitimate retailers.
Any business can currently sell tobacco or vapes without a licence, which has made it easy for rogue traders to sell illicit products on our high street, These traders often target children with cheap, colourful vapes sold alongside sweets and toys.
Those caught breaking the rules face unlimited fines or, on-the-spot penalties of £2,500.
The proposal is part of a call for evidence to develop regulations for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to protect children and young people from addiction.
The Government is also seeking views from experts on the flavours, nicotine strength, and appearance of vapes as part of a series of measures to tackle youth vaping.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: “We aim to close a major gap in the law – making it necessary for shops to hold a licence to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
“Our new proposals will better protect children by rooting out the rogue retailers blighting our high streets and help adults know which shops are selling legitimate products.
“We want expert views on how we can develop the strongest possible regulations to protect our children as part of our Plan for Change, while ensuring adult smokers can still use vapes to quit smoking.”
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of ASH said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a world leading piece of legislation with the potential to dramatically change how tobacco and vapes are sold – bringing in a smokefree generation, taking us closer to smokefree country and protecting children from vaping.
“Ensuring the regulations are shaped by the best available evidence is vital to ensure the bill has its intended impact.”
