North Somerset Council has raised urgent concerns following a number of reported illnesses in Weston-Super-Mare linked to the use of illicit vaping products. Authorities are warning local residents, especially parents and carers, to remain vigilant about the dangers posed by unregulated vapes sold by unscrupulous vendors.
These illegal products often contain hazardous substances, including dangerously high nicotine levels, which can lead to severe health issues and long-term addiction. Unlike regulated vapes, these unverified devices may also pose fire hazards, as they may not self-extinguish if left unattended.
This health alert comes shortly after the closure of a shop on St James Street, suspected of selling harmful and illegal tobacco and vape products. Over the past three years, North Somerset’s Trading Standards team has seized thousands of illegal tobacco and vaping items, including more than 3,600 illicit vapes and nearly 5,000 packets of illegal cigarettes.
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Landlords and retailers are reminded of their legal responsibilities. If illegal tobacco or vape products are found on rented premises, landlords could face “proceeds of crime” actions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The council has already closed two premises, conducted multiple licence reviews, and is pursuing prosecutions related to illegal product sales.
Recent incidents include a woman falling ill after receiving a sample vape from the closed shop, and a 20-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and drug supply offences.
Cllr James Clayton, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, emphasized the council’s firm stance: “Our Trading Standards and police teams, working alongside community safety partners, are committed to rooting out illegal sales and protecting our community. We urge landlords to vet tenants carefully and local retailers to reinforce age-verification procedures to prevent underage sales.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, highlighted the heightened risks: “Unregulated vapes carry unknown chemicals and nicotine levels, increasing addiction and posing health and fire hazards. It is illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18, and adults must not purchase them on behalf of minors. We encourage parents and carers to discuss these risks openly with young people to help them make safer choices.”
The council invites residents to report any businesses suspected of selling illegal tobacco or vaping products. Reports can be made anonymously to the Trading Standards team via www.tssw.org.uk/work-areas/report-it/. Local businesses are also encouraged to use the free “No Proof of Age No Sale” toolkit available through Trading Standards South West to strengthen compliance.