Data relating to enforcement of regulations relating to underage and illicit vape sales

Dear Oxford City Council,

We are conducting research on how regulators and enforcement bodies are addressing compliance issues in the vaping sector covering:

• Environmental obligations
• Under-age and illicit sales
• Product quality and safety standards
• Inappropriate marketing and advertising

The aim of the study is to encourage the vaping industry to ensure that they are fully complying with all regulations, particularly in light of the increased scrutiny that is being put on the sector currently on issues such as youth vaping, rise in counterfeit and non-compliant products and environmental impact.

We are particularly interested in understanding the following from Oxford Trading Standards. If information/data is not available for all years listed, please provide for years you can. Many thanks.

1. What new initiatives have Oxford Trading Standards put in place since 2021 to address under age and illicit sales in the vaping sector?

2. How many vape retailers did Oxford Trading Standards raid due to suspicion that they were involved in underage/illicit vape sales:
- 2021
- 2022
- To date in 2023

3. How many illicit vape products has Oxford Trading Standards seized during:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date

4. How many vape retailers did Oxford Trading Standards successfully prosecute for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date

5. How many vape retailers were Oxford Trading Standards unsuccessful in prosecuting for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date

6. What were the levels of fines that Oxford Trading Standards gave out to vape retailers/resellers who were prosecuted for underage/illicit vape sales in:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 to date

7. How many staff did Oxford Trading Standards deploy to enforce regulations to safeguard against under age and non-compliant vape sales during:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023

Please send the information to Jordan Millar, Account Manager at JBP Associates, email: [email address]

Yours faithfully,

Jordan Millar