Unsolicited and illegal vapes ‘being sold to children from back of cars’

Illegal vapes previously seized by Rochdale Borough Council

Illegal vapes are being sold to children from the back of cars, Rochdale Borough Council has warned after receiving several complaints.

In some cases, the drivers have approached young people uninvited, and in others, the sellers have arranged to meet young people via social media.

On several occasions, the drivers have tried to recruit the children to sell the vapes on.

The council says all of the vapes they have found in vehicles have been illegal ones.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We would urge parents and carers to be aware of who their children are talking to online and who they are meeting up with, and to talk to their children about what to do if someone approaches them to buy or sell vapes.”

The majority of legal devices allow 550 to 600 puffs of 2% nicotine e-liquid, which equates to 40 to 50 cigarettes per vape. 

As a general rule, if the listing states more than 600 puffs, they will not be suitable for the UK market, as they will have a capacity greater than 2ml and, most likely, a higher nicotine content than is permitted.

Generally, anything more than 600, possibly 800 puffs, is likely to be an illegal disposable vape. There are a few 800-puff devices sold in the UK which are TPD compliant and legal.

It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18, regardless of whether it is from a shop or vehicle.

Any information can be reported at trading.standards@rochdale.gov.uk or call 0300 303 8871.