Underage Access to Vapes and Cosmetic Procedures: A Growing Concern

An investigation conducted by Which? has revealed that underage consumers in the UK are easily accessing age-restricted products, including nicotine vapes and cosmetic procedures such as lip fillers. Undercover research involved sending teenagers aged 14 to 17 into eight high street stores in London, where they were able to purchase nicotine vapes from five of the shops without being asked for identification. In some instances, even when ID was requested, the shops proceeded with the sale after being informed that the minors did not have it. Current UK law prohibits the sale of nicotine vapes to individuals under 18, with violations carrying a fine of £2,500.

The Independent

The investigation also highlighted alarming practices in the cosmetic surgery sector. A 17-year-old girl was able to book a lip filler appointment without providing any proof of age. It is illegal to administer botox or lip fillers to anyone under 18 in England, regardless of parental consent. Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, emphasized the ease with which minors can access these products and services, stating, “It shouldn't be this easy for a 14-year-old to walk into a shop and buy a vape, or for a 17-year-old to book a lip filler appointment.”

The Independent

The findings raise significant concerns about the enforcement of age restrictions. Local Trading Standards offices are reportedly facing challenges due to underfunding and recruitment issues, which hinder their ability to effectively monitor and enforce consumer protection laws. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has noted that funding for trading standards services has been cut by over 50% in the past decade, leading to a 30% reduction in staffing levels. In the 2023-24 financial year, 36 out of 187 Trading Standards teams reported no criminal prosecutions, while another 25 reported only one prosecution.

The Independent

John Herriman, Chief Executive of CTSI, called for urgent action to promote and invest in local trading standards services. He warned that without adequate funding, the market will continue to be flooded with unsafe products, leading to potential health risks and increased consumer fraud. The need for a restructured consumer enforcement system has been highlighted, with Which? advocating for better intelligence sharing, stronger oversight, and clearer accountability to protect vulnerable consumers.

The Independent

• “Head of Consumer Protection Policy, said: “It shouldn't be this easy for a 14-year-old to walk into a shop and buy a vape, or for a 17-year-old to book a lip filler appointment.” — Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy, Which?

The Independent

• “Without adequate investment in Trading Standards, we will continue to see unsafe, dangerous goods flooding the market, short measures of goods, unsafe food, disease outbreaks affecting both livestock and pets, a rise in doorstep crime, scams and fraud and many more.” — John Herriman, Chief Executive, CTSI

The Independent

The investigation underscores a critical gap in the enforcement of age restrictions on products that pose risks to minors. As local Trading Standards struggle with funding and staffing, the call for reform becomes increasingly urgent to ensure the safety and protection of young consumers in the UK.

The Independent