Carlisle and Workington shops praised after all deny test purchasers vapes and cigarettes

Shops in Carlisle and Workington have been praised following a test purchasing operation organised by Cumberland Council.

Council’s Trading Standards service carried out the operation on 9 July in Carlisle and 10 July in Workington in their latest crackdown on the sale of cigarettes and vapes to minors.

The exercise aimed to ensure local businesses in Cumberland were complying with legislation and that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase cigarettes and nicotine containing vapes.

The operation saw all 17 of the retail premises visited challenge the underaged volunteers for identification before refusing the sale.

There are strict laws on the sale of cigarettes nicotine vaping products, and it is a criminal offence to sell them to persons under the age of 18 years or purchase them on their behalf.

Traders found to be breaking these rules risk being prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.

“I’m delighted to see that all 17 of the shops visited throughout this operation have complied with the laws and legislation which prohibits the sale of cigarettes and nicotine containing vape products to those under the age of 18,” Cllr Bob Kelly, executive member for policy and regulatory services, said.

“This is a fantastic result, and testament to the hard work of our Trading Standards team who work alongside Cumberland business owners to ensure that their wares are safe and legal.

“This operation very much follows Cumberland Council’s policy of warning and advising traders before any offences are committed”.