Small shops named as main source for underage vape sales in government call for evidence

The government’s call for evidence on youth vaping has identified small shops as the main source of underage vape sales.

Results from the eight-week survey were revealed on the 8 October, which received 441 submissions from public sector, non-profit and private sector organisations. The submissions will be used by the government on determining future policies to tackle underage vaping.

The survey revealed that 32% of respondents thought “corner shops and convenience stores” were the main area of underage vape sales, followed by friends and family (27%) and online (10%). Disposable vapes were cited as the most popular products bought by children.

To tackle the issue, respondents suggested introducing tobacco-style plain packaging onto vapes, more funding for trading standards and mandatory age checks/licensing for stores.

Submissions also claimed that shops were making vapes appealing to children through “colourful point of sale displays,” with calls to restrict displays at the tills and stop price promotions entirely.