North Yorkshire Council is proposing new enforcement tools to combat illegal tobacco and vape sales, aiming to better protect consumers and support legitimate businesses. The council's executive will be asked to approve a revised policy for the county's trading standards team at a meeting on Tuesday 27 October.
The updated framework reflects significant changes in national legislation and the need for new approaches to address growing threats to lawful traders. If approved, it will help officers respond more effectively to issues such as underage tobacco and vape sales.
New Fixed Penalty Notices Under Proposed Policy
The policy would introduce fixed penalty notices for certain offences under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, alongside existing enforcement options, including prosecution. These measures target businesses that deliberately break the law, particularly when selling tobacco or vape products to children.
The proposal comes as trading standards services across the country tackle an increasingly complex range of issues. National figures show that more than 1.19 million illegal vapes were seized in England during 2023 and 2024, while almost a quarter of test purchases resulted in vapes being sold unlawfully to children.
Council Response to Emerging Challenges
Councillor Richard Foster, executive member for managing our environment, whose responsibilities include trading standards, said: “Our trading standards team play a vital role in protecting residents, supporting honest businesses and helping to ensure our communities remain safe places to live, work and shop.
“This proposed updated policy provides a clear and transparent framework for enforcement, ensuring we can respond effectively to emerging challenges while taking a fair and proportionate approach.
“By targeting those who deliberately flout the law and protecting consumers from harm, we are helping to create a level playing field for responsible businesses and safeguarding some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
