Borough vape shops under 'active investigation'

3 hours ago

Chris McHughBerkshire political reporter

A new licensing scheme for vaping products is currently making its way through parliament

PA Media Someone breathing out vapour holding a vaping device in their hand. — A new licensing scheme for vaping products is currently making its way through parliament

A number of vape shops are "under active investigation" over concerns about illegal activity, a council has said.

Trading Standards at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) said it regularly inspected businesses for the sale of illegal products and age-restricted items to underage customers.

It said it would take "robust action" against any business found to be breaking laws.

The government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently making its way through parliament, would introduce licences for retailers.

Windsor MP Jack Rankin questions whether the number of vape shops in the town's high street was "economically viable"

Chris McHugh/BBC Jack Rankin MP smiles for the camera in front of purple BBC Radio Berkshire branding. He is in his early thirties, with short black hair and black rimmed glasses, wearing a dark suit and tie. — Windsor MP Jack Rankin questions whether the number of vape shops in the town's high street was "economically viable"

In October, RBWM ordered a Maidenhead convenience store to pay more than £10,000 after being caught selling illegal vaping products.

A Reading vape shop was forced to close for three months in August after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco product.

Windsor MP Jack Rankin told BBC Radio Berkshire he would "question" whether the high concentration of vape shops in his constituency was "economically viable".

"Obviously I don't want to finger particular shops, but I wanted them investigated in full.

"The scale of vape shops in that location is unsustainable," he said.

RBWM said: "We carry out regular inspections of all shops in the borough that sell vaping products - with several active investigations ongoing.

"We will continue to take robust action against any business found to be breaking laws that the council enforces.

[We also] share information with Thames Valley Police over concerns of wider illegal activity, so appropriate action can be taken."

Marcus Sexton, chief executive of Totally Wicked Vapes, which has a store on Peascod Street in Windsor, called the investigations "reassuring".

"These are shops which are not regulated and reputable vaping shops," he said.

"It's really important that the consumer recognises this.

"It's great to hear that there are active investigations underway."

Last year, the BBC revealed more than six million illegal vaping products had been seized by Trading Standards officers across England in the past three years.