Man charged after shop in Perth and Kinross 'sold vapes to minors'

A man in Perth and Kinross has been charged after a shop allegedly sold vapes and e-cigarettes to minors.

A joint investigation between Perth and Kinross Council’s Trading Standards team and Police Scotland saw intelligence-led action on traders accused of “repeatedly” selling vapes to “customers under 18”.

Instances of sales to people as young as 14 were said to have been reported to both organisations.

The law currently restricts sales of e-cigarettes to under 18’s.

An investigation in August 2023 found that one in five shops in Scotland are willing to sell vapes to under 18s.

Following the investigation, a 44-year-old man was charged by Police Scotland on February 13 in connection with the investigation.

Councillor Tom McEwan, convener of housing and social wellbeing said: “Products like vapes are age-restricted for good reasons and we want to prevent children and young people from accessing them illegally.

“A key part of achieving this is for businesses to ensure they do not sell these items to under-18s and to be aware that action can be taken against them if they do.

“Together with Police Scotland we are taking steps to clamp down on instances of underage sales and this joint work will continue.

“I would also encourage anyone who has information suggesting that vapes or other age-restricted products are being sold to children and young people in Perth and Kinross to contact our Trading Standards team or Police Scotland on 101 to report this.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On February 13, 2024, a 44-year-old man was charged in connection with offences relating to the sale of age-restricted products to minors in the South Street area of Perth.”