‘Pocket money’ vapes still on sale to children
Vaping nicotine products are on sale locally for as little as 19p, with the Bailiwick still without any regulations on the sale and promotion of vapes.
Health & Social Care said last May it was looking at regulations, but there have been few updates on progress, leaving vapes without regulation and within the reach of children, clearly selling at ‘pocket money’ prices.
A Guernsey Press investigation found some local e-cigarette businesses are following UK regulations set by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, but others have nicotine products available very cheaply without the need for any identification.
Local company Vazon Vapes, which is registered in St Peter Port, sells vape items online, including nicotine salts ‘bad juice nic salt lemon twist’ selling for 19p and vape liquid ‘IVG 50/50 bubble gum’ at 23p. The latter states it will ‘bring your childhood memories back’. The company also sells disposable vapes from 49p.
The Guernsey Press’s research found that when visiting the website, a date of birth for an age of over 18 was required, however it was easy to put in an incorrect year, and no proof of identity was required.
Terms and conditions had to be agreed to before checking out and stated that the user was at least the age of majority in their location, and consent had been given ‘to allow any of your minor dependants to use this site’.
It was not clear in the terms and conditions about when the minor dependant was the person using the site.
The items for sale online did not exceed 20mg/ml and nicotine-containing e-liquids per item did not exceed 10ml.
UK rules include that vapes are unable to be sold to under-18s, e-liquids cannot be stronger than 20mg/ml and the maximum volume of nicotine-containing e-liquid in one container is 10ml.
Vazon Vapes, which used to run a physical shop in Contree Mansell until the end of 2022, was approached for comment by email, but did not respond.
The Vape Bar, based on South Esplanade, has a website and shop. It follows the UK regulations, with the only thing for sale outside of the rules is a slightly larger tank than the 2ml UK allowance.
‘In line with the UK, the highest nicotine available is 20mg and all of our liquids are bought from regulated suppliers,’ the company said.
‘We always ask for ID if we suspect the customer is under 18 years. We get the occasional under-age person trying to buy, but due to staff members refusing a sale without correct ID, and not accepting photos of ID on phones, this is now minimal.
‘While we already adhere to selling to over 18 years online and a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg, it would be great to have these enforced.’
Health & Social Care is under resolution of the States to work towards the regulation of vapes, but it is unclear what progress is made. It was approached for an update last week.
