More Officers On The Streets
Government promises more Trading Standards officers and increased funding as part of its “clampdown” on the illegal tobacco and vape trade
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by Dave Cross
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“Tighter and tougher protections to protect children and communities from illicit tobacco and vapes have been unveiled as the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves closer to creating a smokefree UK”, the government says. In reality, and new funding has long since been announced and the increase in staffing will be insufficient to make a difference.
The government calls the funding “a new £10 million boost for Trading Standards”, but the announcement is anything but new. It says this money “will bolster operations in local communities for the next year, to fund an expected 80 more apprentice enforcement officers to stop harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops and stopping underage sales”.
So, the reality is that there will be no new officers, just apprenticeships.
Smoke and mirrors, the announcement continues: “Officers work closely with local police to take down organised crime groups that operate within networks to supply illegal vapes. Trading Standards plays a key role, operating targeted seizures and sending sniffer dogs to hunt down illicit vapes hidden in shops.”
It claims the “package” builds on “robust measures in place to tackle illicit tobacco and vapes”, but the reality is that Trading Standards is struggling to cope – and this was recognised by all last year.
The government has also heralded its pathetic vape tax, set to come into force in 2026. The anti-harm reduction policy “will introduce new civil and criminal powers, giving them the ability to seize products and recruit over 200 additional compliance staff”. The reality is that it will drive vapers to the black market, DIY solutions or back to smoking
Next, the government goes on to shout about its Tobacco and Vapes Bill which will “protect children from addiction”. It continues to ignore that teen rates of daily vaping has fallen or plateaued.
“The Bill will also introduce new £200 on the spot fines in England and Wales for breaches of age of sale restrictions, alongside powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland,” it continues.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said: “Buying illicit tobacco and vapes may save a few pennies in your pocket, but they can be incredibly dangerous and are often linked to criminal activity.
“It’s vital the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves forward so we can tackle this illicit trade and free our children from a life imprisoned by addiction. By phasing out tobacco, introducing new restrictions on vapes and putting more boots on our streets, we’re taking the concrete action needed to deliver our Plan for Change and bring us that one step closer to a healthier, smoke-free future.”
Driving up the price of vaping by a huge amount feeds the black market. The government are making a conscious decision to force hard up ex-smokers away from the regulated sector.
John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “CTSI is very welcoming of the announcement of substantial funding for Trading Standards services across England. This much-needed investment will strengthen our ability to support businesses in complying with current and future tobacco and vaping regulations and will also ensure we are well placed to support the protection of public health. It also reinforces our commitment to taking firm action against anyone who seeks to harm their local communities by choosing to operate outside the law. With these additional resources, we can make a real difference in both keeping consumers safe, and ensuring a fair and responsible marketplace.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Illicit tobacco and vape products are prevalent in our communities, trapping people – including children and young people – in a dangerous cycle of addiction that could endure for another generation.
“The scourge of illicit nicotine products are largely powered by organised crime, and the products represent an important money-spinner that help fund organised crime groups’ other illegal schemes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery.”
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Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
