Teenagers have been helping local enforcement teams test whether shops in the borough of Ealing are following the law when it comes to selling age-restricted products.

In the UK, it's illegal to sell alcohol or nicotine-containing vapes to anyone under the age of 18. So far this year, Ealing Council’s trading standards and licensing teams have carried out four test purchasing operations.

These checks involved nine young volunteers aged 14 to 17, all of whom appeared clearly underage. With the oversight of trained officers, they visited various retailers across the borough and attempted to purchase vapes or alcohol.

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Shops Failing to Follow the Rules

Test purchasing helps identify whether shops are properly verifying customers' ages before selling restricted products. Out of 38 shops visited, five failed the test – selling items to the underage volunteers without asking for ID. In two of those shops, officers also found and seized illegal vaping products and tobacco.

Investigations into the violations are ongoing. In the meantime, council officers are working with businesses to ensure they understand the law and the importance of preventing underage sales.

Licensed shops that were found selling to minors have had their alcohol licences reviewed. In one case, a shop had its licence completely revoked. Given the results of the recent operations, more checks are planned in the near future.

Retailers caught selling vapes to under-18s could face prosecution and fines of up to £2,500.

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Tackling the Problem Head-On

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, joined one of the recent test operations on 22 June 2025. She commented:

"The overwhelming majority of businesses in the borough are law-abiding and play a hugely important role in our community."

"Although it was disappointing that there were underage sales at 5 locations, it’s reassuring that 33 of the 38 shops are doing the right thing, and that our trading standards team is cracking down on this issue."

"This proactive operation has worked very well. I’m pleased to hear that more activities like this are being planned."

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Reporting and Advice

If you suspect a shop is selling vapes or tobacco products illegally, you can report it anonymously using the online form available on Ealing Council’s website.

Businesses looking for guidance on the legal requirements around vape sales can contact the trading standards team at: tradingstandards@ealing.gov.uk.