AN UNDERAGE teenager has been sold a disposable vape pen as part of a sting operation in Southend.

Southend Council say a 15-year-old was sold a disposable vape pen during an operation by Southend Trading Standards and Essex Police.

The operation saw around 200 non-compliant disposable vape pens seized during the last week of June.

This has taken the total removed from sale to more than 3,000 in the first six months of 2023 – just in Southend.

Southend Youth Councillors have been helping the teams during June, visiting a dozen shops to test if they will sell to underage teenagers.

All the business owners concerned will face appropriate legal action, which could be a fine or prosecution.

John Lamb, councillor responsible for regulatory services, said: “Our Trading Standards team have been told about irresponsible shop staff allowing children as young as 12 years old to buy disposable vape pens from their shops.

“I am very proud of our youth council for volunteering to help with these operations, as it is so important for the protection of their peers.

“Selling vaping products does not require a licence, so are able to be sold from any type of shop, providing the items for sale are compliant with UK legislation.”

Southend Trading Standards have been engaging with business owners to make them aware of the legal requirements of vaping products and some have removed many non-compliant items from sale.

However, so far this year, six businesses have been stopped from trading in Southend by Trading Standards for being "persistently ignorant" of the law in selling illegal tobacco and vaping products.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for community safety, added: “Children are seemingly viewing these products as cool lifestyle accessories and the manufacturers have responded by creating flavours such as ‘gummy bear’ and ‘skittles’, enhancing their appeal even more to children.

“I would urge residents to report any suspicious activity and for parents to pay close attention to their children’s behaviour.

“Some disposable pens contain more than ten times the legally permitted dosage of nicotine. Even one sale cannot be tolerated, and Trading Standards remain vigilant to the ongoing dangers of a child using these products.”