Angry councillors have condemned traders for selling vapes to under-age children, despite being tested more than once by trading standards officers.

They passed a motion, underlining their dismay at the situation at a full meeting of South Lanarkshire Council on Wednesday.

And they are calling for a total ban on the potentially harmful products.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Elise Frame and seconded by Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey read, as follows: “Council notes the recent publication of an article on our South Lanarkshire View website regarding the sale of disposable vape products to those under the age of 18. 

“Council expresses disappointment that more than one third of retailers we tested were found to have sold vapes to people under the age of 18. 

“Council further notes, and condemns, the fact that, when these retailers were re-tested, a quarter were found to still be breaking the law. 

“Council notes that our Trading Standards Officers have fined those retailers breaking this law £200 (£150 if paid within 14 days) but are discouraged that a quarter of retailers continued to sell disposable vapes to children and young people. 

“Council believes that this indicates that rogue retailers are factoring the fine risk into the cost of doing business. Council welcomes the potential complete ban of disposable vape products, which is being discussed at a UK level, and notes a previous motion passed in this chamber calling on such a ban. Until this national ban comes into effect, Council recognises that more must be done on a local level.”

The council also agreed:

  • That Trading Standards will continue to test retailers and, where practicable, will increase how many outlets are tested. 
  • That existing confidential processes for members of the public to report retailers selling nicotine products to minors – via phone, web form and email – will be better promoted and publicised through the council’s various communications channels.
  •  Where a premises is found to have sold nicotine products to people under the age of 18, Trading Standards will continue to liaise with the Licensing Team to consider where further action might be appropriate, including;
  • The possibility of seeking an order in the Sheriff Court prohibiting the sale of nicotine products by that vendor. 
  • The possibility of reviewing a relevant licence held by the seller, issued by this Council/the Licensing Board for the provision of age-restricted goods or services, for example; the sale of alcohol, skin piercing, tattooing, fireworks, gaming, knife dealer, sex shop, cinema, sunbed, and the like.

Thanks were given to Trading Standards, and their youth volunteers, for the work they have already carried out on this issue.