North Somerset Council has issued a serious warning following a series of illnesses connected to the use of illegal vapes in Weston-super-Mare. The council calls on residents—especially parents and carers—to remain vigilant about the dangers posed by unregulated vaping products sold by unscrupulous vendors.
These illicit vapes carry significant health risks. Unlike legitimate products, they may contain harmful substances, dangerously high levels of nicotine, and other additives that can contribute to long-term addiction. Additionally, such products may present fire hazards as they often lack the self-extinguishing safety features standard in regulated vapes.
This alert comes in the wake of the recent closure of a shop on St James Street implicated in selling illegal and dangerous tobacco and vape products. Over the past three years, North Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team has confiscated more than 3,600 illegal vapes, 4,700 packets of unlicensed cigarettes, over 67 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco, and upwards of 100 sachets of shisha tobacco.
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Landlords and retailers have been reminded of their legal responsibilities under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which enables action against property owners if illegal tobacco or vape products are found on their premises.
Since 2024, enforcement efforts have resulted in two business closures, multiple licence reviews, and a pending prosecution. The council also revealed that a woman fell ill after using a vape sample from the closed shop, and a 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and drug-related offences.
Cllr James Clayton, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, emphasized the council’s firm stance: “Our Trading Standards officers have taken sustained action against illegal tobacco and vape sales in Weston-super-Mare, including covert test purchases and significant seizures. Illicit sales to underage children are unacceptable and will be targeted aggressively. We urge landlords to carefully vet tenants and retailers to strengthen age verification systems.”
Deputy Leader Cllr Catherine Gibbons highlighted the added dangers of illegal vaping products: “Unregulated vapes not only risk addiction due to higher nicotine concentrations but also pose fire hazards since they may not self-extinguish. Selling vaping products to anyone under 18 is illegal, as is adults buying on behalf of minors.”
She added, “We strongly encourage parents and carers to have open conversations with young people about these risks. Awareness is key to making safe, informed choices.”
The council asks the public to report any suspected sales of illegal tobacco or vapes anonymously via Trading Standards. Businesses can also access a free “No Proof of Age No Sale” toolkit to help prevent illegal sales.
North Somerset remains committed to safeguarding its communities by cracking down on illegal and harmful tobacco and vape products.