Sheffield City Council seizes more than 3,000 illegal cigarettes and hundreds of vapes from shops
“There is no excuse for selling illegal vapes, and it is particularly unacceptable when products are designed or promoted to appeal to children and young people”
Sheffield Council has seized thousands of illegal cigarettes and vapes in a crackdown on “dangerous products” being sold across the city.
Sheffield City Council’s Trading Standards officers worked with South Yorkshire Police in an effort to protect residents from illicit products.
Their work has seen them seize more than 3,000 illegal cigarettes, hundreds of vapes and cash from six retail premises across the city.
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Councillor Mark Rusling, chair of the council’s Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee, said: “Keeping people safe is at the heart of our Trading Standards work. We will act when illegal or potentially dangerous products are being sold in Sheffield.
“There is no excuse for selling illegal vapes, and it is particularly unacceptable when products are designed or promoted to appeal to children and young people.
“Our message is clear: if you sell illegal goods and put people at risk, our officers will act. We will continue working with the police and other partners to get these products off our streets, disrupt criminal activity, and protect Sheffield’s communities.”
As of Thursday, October 29, new restrictions will prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from buying vaping and nicotine products.
In an effort to improve health standards, the Government will also introduce new bans on January 1 which will make it illegal to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
Anyone born after this date will never be legally sold tobacco.
“People should be able to trust that the products they buy are safe and legal. Our officers work every day to protect that right,” Coun Rusling added.
“We are particularly determined to protect the next generation from tobacco and nicotine harm.
“Children and young people should not be targeted by people looking to profit from potentially addictive and dangerous products.”