Over half of Plymouth shops tested sell e-cigs to children

Nine out of 15 shops that sell electronic cigarettes in Plymouth failed a recent test purchase operation.

New laws on selling E Cigarettes to children were introduced last year, and Trading Standards were checking whether they were being applied by retailers.

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that are marketed as an alternative to cigarettes containing tobacco. While public health advice is that they are likely to be 95 per cent safer than smoking tobacco – there is a concern that they may encourage children to become addicted to nicotine.

Cllr Philippa Davey, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities said “While most people who use E Cigarettes are adults who use them to help to cut down on smoking tobacco -  we do need to ensure that children are protected from nicotine, which most e cigs do contain and which is a highly addictive substance. We asked pupils in year 10 if they had ever used an E Cigarette – and 18 per cent of them replied that they had done so, so this is a very real concern for Plymouth.

“The law was changed last year to protect young people and we want to work with retailers in the first instance to raise their awareness of their legal obligations. We will not be taking any formal action on this occasion but do intend to carry out further tests in the future.”

Trading standards advise retailers to be vigilant and responsible when selling e-cigs and liquid nicotine, applying the same checks as to the sale of any other age-restricted products.  Selling these products to under-age children could lead to a fine of up to £2500.

The Council regularly carry out test purchase operations for products harmful to children such as Alcohol, Tobacco, Sunbeds and knives. Businesses wanting advice on how they can comply with the law can contact Plymouth Trading Standards on 01752 304147.