Illegal vapes in Stockport: council takes zero-tolerance approach to dealers

Featured image: Nicholas. T. Ansell/PA Wire

Stockport council has taken action on the sales of illegal vapes in the town centre and Edgeley following concerns about the proliferation of substandard vapes and their effect on young people.

A joint operation with police resulted in £80,000 worth of illegal vapes being confiscated along with 14 stop-searches, resulting in six arrests for various offences around Stockport town centre and Edgeley.

According to Frankie Singleton, the council spokesperson, there is a deliberate attempt by some dealers to damage the health of youths.

Research conducted by trading standards has shown that 70% of teenagers have used substandard vapes and prefer them to regular cigarettes.

‘Don’t vape or smoke’

GMP’s Stockport central neighbourhood policing Team said: “This was another great day with lots of positive feedback from the community and partners; particularly pleasing was the partnership approach.”

The government is aiming to create a smoke-free generation, tackle youth vaping and introduce new powers for local authorities to issue on-the-spot fines to enforce age of sale legislation of tobacco products and vapes.

According to Jilla Burgess-Allen, the director of public health “E-cigarettes are safer than smoking tobacco and are a good cigarette replacement for those trying to quit but, our message is clear, if you don’t smoke, don’t start smoking or vaping. ”

People interviewed in Manchester share their opinion about vaping and the proliferation of the illegal version in the city.

Ali, 23, said that though he does not smoke, he has friends who smoke and have testified that: “vaping is more accessible than the cigar, especially in no smoking designated areas

People who want to stop smoking do vaping and a ban on it will affect them.”

Daniel, a student, said people often believe that it is safer to vape than smoke. “Vaping is more convenient”, he said.

The council is yet to provide details on how people can distinguish between legal from illegal vaping.