Story perspectives

Teen Vaping Sales Slip Through Cracks Amid Budget Cuts

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Which? found five of eight shops visited allowed 14 to 17-year-olds to buy nicotine vapes without showing ID.
A 17-year-old booked a lip filler appointment without age verification.
Current laws prohibit selling these products to minors, but enforcement is lacking.
Local Trading Standards offices face underfunding, with a 50% budget cut over the past decade, leading to fewer prosecutions.
Experts urge the government to improve consumer protection and enforcement measures.

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Story summary

Which? found five of eight shops visited allowed 14 to 17-year-olds to buy nicotine vapes without showing ID.
A 17-year-old booked a lip filler appointment without age verification.
Current laws prohibit selling these products to minors, but enforcement is lacking.
Local Trading Standards offices face underfunding, with a 50% budget cut over the past decade, leading to fewer prosecutions.
Experts urge the government to improve consumer protection and enforcement measures.