Concern over the rise in counterfeit vape shops
VAPE retail experts Go Smoke Free has called on the UK Government to crack down on the rising number of illegal vape shops.
A new study conducted by the vaping firm has revealed a sharp increase in the number of vape shops, including those that sell illegal products.
Go Smoke Free has claimed, that in 2023 alone, over 230 new vape stores opened their doors in the UK with many of these stores selling products to underage consumers without proper verification.
This has added to the rapid increase in the numbers of youth vaping, says Go Smoke Free who noted around 20% of children aged 11-17 tried a vape in 2023, a rise of 15.8 percentage points from 2022.
However, the firm has urged the added danger of these sales as many of the vapes crossing over – or perhaps under in these situations – the counter are counterfeit and unregulated devices.
These devices often fail to meet the UK’s safety regulations of nicotine content and often include hazardous materials such as lead, nickel and chromium.
As such, Go Smoke Free has urged Westminster to increase the powers of local trading standards teams to crack down on this rising issue across the whole of the UK.
The firm said that, as part of the UK Gov’s ‘smoke-free generation’ ambitions, Westminster must not simply focus on tackling traditional smoking options but also, addressing the new challenges that have been posed by the vaping category without dissuading adult smokers from vapes.
A spokesperson for Go Smoke Free said: “To combat illegal vape shops, the UK must adopt a comprehensive strategy.
“This involves increasing funding for local trading standards, intensifying enforcement at key locations, tightening advertising and packaging regulations to reduce youth appeal and enhancing co-operation between law enforcement and health authorities.
“A balanced regulatory framework is essential to support adult smokers who are looking to quit while protecting young people from harmful, unregulated products.”
