Doncaster Council seizes over 8,500 illegal vapes in past year

By Shannon Mower, Local Democracy Reporter

Doncaster Council has conducted a series of business inspections to crack down on the sale of illegal vapes.

Over 8,500 illegal vapes have been seized by Doncaster Council’s Trading Standards Team over the past year.

The team seized the devices during inspections of over 150 businesses across the borough.

Inspections were part of a campaign by the council following a national trend of illegal vapes being sold and concerns from residents.

The vast majority of businesses inspected by the council were found to be compliant with the law.

Where businesses were found to be in breach, the illegal vapes were seized and written warning was given that they would be prosecuted if illegal sale continued.

Most of the products seized were in excess of the 2ml maximum nicotine limit.

“I want to make it clear that the vast majority of businesses in Doncaster were compliant and in-keeping with the law with regards the sale of vapes,” Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Cllr Joe Blackham said.

“However, there were a minority of businesses who were not and were found to be selling illegal vapes and/or selling vapes to children. This is completely unacceptable. Businesses who continue to flout the law, should be aware they will be targeted and we will have no hesitation in prosecuting them.”