Vapes still 'too accessible' for underage people in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire
Academics are warning a lack of regulation around vapes is harming children
Last updated 13th Nov 2025
It's feared vapes remain 'very accessible' to underage people in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire.
New academic research suggests some children are missing lessons in school so they can vape instead.
Michael Burnell - who runs a vape store in Chesterfield - has been telling us about one 'unsettling trend' he's noticed:
"We run a strict challenge 25 rule.
"A common occurrence is parents bringing children into the store, then the adult letting the child pick an item before the parent tries to purchase it for the child.
"We identify that and restrict that straight away and decline service.
"There is plenty of laws and regulation out there; the thing that fails is the enforcement and penalties for these laws.
"The enforcement is next to none and the penalties are in the hundreds of pounds - which people are happy to receive because the profit margin is more than the fine.
We've been speaking to 25-year-old Hugh - in Sheffield - who's been addicted to nicotine since he was 15 - He explains why vaping is such an 'easy' habit:
"I've gone through cigarettes, I've gone through patches, I've gone through chewing gum - I've tried all the nicotine alternatives.
"Vaping is really accessible though; it tastes nice, it doesn't smell, and it's cheap - so why wouldn't you do it?
"It's so easy to do, it's so colourful. The flavours make it sound like sweets almost.
19-year-old Sammy - in Sheffield - managed to give up vaping last year:
"The reason why I stopped it is because we don't know what the long-term impact of vaping is.
"I can see why people do it though - it's not like you have to roll a cigarette or go out into the rain to smoke. You can literally have a puff anywhere.
"I quit on New Year's Eve in 2024. I still smoke 4 or 5 cigarettes daily, but I know where I stand with that - I know the risks.
"I'd rather do that than vape constantly every day like I was."
You currently have to be 18-years-old to legally buy a vape in the UK.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“While vapes can help adult smokers quit, non-smokers and children should never vape.
“That's why we've banned single use vapes and are taking decisive action through the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill to break the cycle of addiction and stop the next generation getting hooked on nicotine - halting the advertising and sponsorship of vapes, limiting their packaging, flavours and display.
"We’re also strengthening enforcement against illicit vapes and have announced a comprehensive study into the long-term health effects of youth vaping."