Young people are being encouraged to share information about shops that are breaking the law by selling vapes to under 18s.
Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team have developed an online reporting website VapeANON.com, which allows young people to pass on information anonymously to Cornwall’s Trading Standards team. It was developed after young people raised concerns about vaping in schools and asked for more to be done to tackle the issue during the Council’s Annual Conversation.
Trading Standards have also produced stickers promoting VapeANON.com that will be put up around schools. The stickers include a QR code which links directly to the website via smartphones. Alternatively, you can type www.vapeanon.com into your browser to access the site. All information supplied is entirely anonymous.
Supplying vapes containing nicotine to anyone under the age of 18 is against the law.
Information submitted to VapeANON.com regarding shops or online retailers will be reviewed by the Council’s Trading Standards team. Any information regarding the sale of vapes containing illicit substances will be shared with the police.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder responsible for Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “This reporting tool allows young people to share information entirely anonymously. This will help our Trading Standards team gather intelligence about the sale of vapes to children and young people.
“I urge all businesses to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities regarding the sale of age-restricted products. They can do this by accessing a toolkit free of charge from proofofage.org.uk.
“Where required, we will take action against retailers who are not complying with the law.”
As part of its commitment to recognising the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Cornwall Council formed the Annual Conversation, which allows children and young people to have their say on issues that matter to them, and help influence decisions made about their lives now and in the future.
Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, portfolio holder for Together for Families at Cornwall Council, said: “As the convention states, the best interests of our children must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children and I’m so pleased that we have listened to the inspiring young people who spoke out during our Annual Conversation.
“I share their concerns raised and thank them for their input in this project.
“I really hope this initiative empowers young people to help make their school a better place to learn and thrive.”
Councillor Andy Virr, portfolio holder for Public Health at Cornwall Council, said:” While vaping is a great way to quit or cut down smoking, it is not suitable for children and young people. Their developing lungs and brains mean they are more sensitive to its effects.
“I urge young people to think carefully about their choices regarding smoking and vaping and to consider the impact on their health.”
One of the young people who took part in the Annual Conversation said: “Whilst working with other young people to create an action plan to address the issue of young people vaping at the Annual Conversation we all discovered that most of us knew at least one person who had bought a vape illegally. We all felt like something had to be done to prevent more young people accessing vapes so I’m very proud that Trading Standards listened to the concerns of the young people and are working to combat this issue."
Press release issued on February 5, 2025