Freedom of information response
Businesses found selling illicit vapes
I am seeking data on the number of convenience stores found selling illicit vapes. I believe there is a strong public interest for this information to be published due to a potential link between the popularity of vapes and the impact on the safety and wellbeing of business owners.
Please can you supply the following information:
1) The number of businesses found selling illicit vapes for the period of 1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022 and January 2023 and 31 August 2023.
2) The key search terms I am seeking in relation to the type of business are; convenience store, corner shop, grocery store, supermarket, newsagent, symbol group, tobacconist, off licence and independent retailer.
3) Could you also provide the name the offending businesses traded under and their address.
4) The punishment for the business and whether they complied – warning, fine, compliance notice, escalation to the police, etc.
Ideally, I would like these figures broken down month-on-month.
- The number of businesses found selling illicit vapes for the period of 1 January 2022-31 December 2022 and January 2023-31 August 2023. 10
- The key search terms I am seeking in relation to the type of business are; convenience store, corner shop, grocery store, supermarket, newsagent, symbol group, tobacconist, off licence and independent retailer.
5 grocery stores
4 vape shops
1 mobile phone shop
- Could you also provide the name the offending businesses traded under and their address. Please note we will not release the name and address of the businesses where goods have been seized unless that action has resulted in a public prosecution, please see following web link: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/news/trading-standards-for-businesses/vape-shop-closed-for-selling-illegal-vapes
- The punishment for the business and whether they complied – warning, fine, compliance notice, escalation to the police, etc. Items seized. Warning letters. One closure order issued. Ongoing investigations.