Shops in North East Lincolnshire found selling illegal vapes

More than £16,000 worth of illegal disposable vaping bars and £3,420 worth of illicit tobacco products have been seized between two premises, one in Grimsby and one in Cleethorpes.

In the summer, hundreds of businesses received letters from Trading Standards - warning of the dangers of selling illegal disposable vape bars.

Following this, and based on reports from the public, the businesses were visited this week by officers from Trading Standards at North East Lincolnshire Council.

Both businesses were found to be selling disposable vapes that not only breached the law on tank size (10 ml and 14 ml - with the legal limit being 2 ml), but some devices were found to contain nicotine strengths more than double the legal limit of 2% strength.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Trading Standards will always act on information such as that received and thank the public for their efforts to help eradicate these illegal vapes which seem to be very sought after by children due to the bright colours and multiple choices of flavours.

“We need to ensure that we have strict regulations and controls over vaping products to protecting the health of future generations.”

The retailers will be invited for formal interviews under caution and files will be prepared for consideration of prosecution.