Barking and Dagenham Council Vape Compliance Test Success Barking and Dagenham 2026

Key Points

• Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team conducted an underage test purchasing operation on 19 February 2026 using 14- and 15-year-old volunteers.
• The operation tested 25 premises across the borough for sales of nicotine-containing vapes.
• Only one out of 25 premises made an illegal sale to a child volunteer, resulting in a 96% compliance rate.
• The non-compliant business now faces further enforcement action, which could include prosecution.
• Trading Standards routinely tests for age-restricted products including vapes, alcohol, knives, and tobacco to protect young people.
• Businesses are encouraged to adopt measures such as Challenge 25 policy, clear signage, till prompts, refusals registers, staff training, out-of-reach storage, and operational CCTV.
• The council operates a voluntary Responsible Retailer Scheme (RRS) for businesses committing not to sell vapes to under-18s, with officers offering guidance and encouraging sign-ups.
• Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, stated that most retailers are responsible but one illegal sale is too many, urging vigilance and promising action for breaches.

Barking and Dagenham (East London News) February 26, 2026 – Trading Standards officers from Barking and Dagenham Council executed a targeted underage test purchasing operation on 19 February 2026, revealing high compliance among local retailers in preventing vape sales to minors, with just one illegal sale from 25 tested premises.

The operation employed 14- and 15-year-old volunteers to simulate real-world attempts to buy nicotine-containing vapes. Of the 25 businesses checked, only one sold a vape to the child volunteer, prompting further action against that retailer. Council officials hailed the 96% compliance rate as a positive sign of retailer responsibility, yet stressed zero tolerance for any underage sales.

This initiative forms part of the council’s ongoing efforts to safeguard young people from age-restricted products. Trading Standards routinely conducts such tests on vapes, alcohol, knives, and tobacco, ensuring businesses uphold legal duties.

What Triggered the Underage Vape Test Purchases in Barking and Dagenham?

As detailed in the official council announcement, the test purchasing operation stemmed from Trading Standards’ commitment to protecting youth from harmful products.

On 19 February 2026, officers deployed 14- and 15-year-old volunteers to 25 premises across the borough. These volunteers attempted to purchase nicotine-containing vapes, mimicking typical underage buying scenarios.

The results showed robust adherence to age restrictions. Only one business failed the test by making an illegal sale, as confirmed by council records. That retailer now faces enforcement measures, potentially including prosecution, underscoring the council’s firm stance.

Trading Standards officers emphasised that any sale of age-restricted items to children remains unacceptable. This operation aligns with routine checks designed to enforce the law and promote retailer diligence.

How Did the Test Operation Unfold and What Were the Exact Results?

The test took place specifically on 19 February 2026, involving volunteers aged 14 and 15. These young participants visited 25 selected premises, attempting to buy vapes containing nicotine. According to the council’s detailed report, 24 businesses correctly refused the sale, achieving high compliance.

Just one premise breached regulations by selling to the child volunteer. As reported in the council’s press release, this isolated incident triggered immediate follow-up.

The non-compliant business will undergo further action, with prosecution a possible outcome.

Council spokesperson highlighted the operation’s success rate while reinforcing that no illegal sales are tolerable. This mirrors standard Trading Standards protocols for monitoring compliance.

Why Is 96% Compliance Considered Strong but Not Enough?

While the 96% compliance rate—24 out of 25 premises refusing sales—signals effective practices among most retailers, officials view any lapse as critical. As stated in the council release,

“any sale of age-restricted products to children is unacceptable and will be met with enforcement action, potentially prosecution.”

The single illegal sale exemplifies why vigilance matters. Vapes pose health risks to young people, including nicotine addiction and respiratory issues. Trading Standards’ proactive testing deters violations and educates businesses.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, remarked:

“We’re pleased to see that most retailers in the borough are taking their responsibilities seriously. However, one illegal sale is still one too many. Vapes and other age-restricted products must not end up in the hands of children, and businesses must remain vigilant. We will always take action where the law is breached.”

What Routine Measures Does Trading Standards Take to Protect Young People?

Trading Standards in Barking and Dagenham conducts regular test purchases beyond this vape operation. These target multiple age-restricted items: vapes, alcohol, knives, and tobacco. The goal is twofold—shielding youth from harm and verifying business compliance with legal obligations.

Such operations occur periodically to maintain standards. Officers use volunteer minors to replicate authentic scenarios, ensuring realistic assessments. Failures lead to interventions, from warnings to court proceedings.

This vape test fits into a broader protective framework. By addressing multiple products, the team tackles diverse risks, from substance misuse to weapon access.

What Steps Should Businesses Take to Prevent Underage Vape Sales?

The council strongly urges retailers to implement proactive safeguards. These include:

• Operating a Challenge 25 policy, challenging anyone appearing under 25 to prove age.
• Displaying clear age-restriction signage at point of sale.
• Using till prompts to remind staff of age checks.
• Maintaining an up-to-date refusals register logging denied sales.
• Providing regular training for all staff on age verification.
• Keeping age-restricted products out of reach and sight of young people.
• Ensuring CCTV systems are fully maintained and operational.

Adopting these measures not only complies with law but fosters a safer shopping environment. Trading Standards offers guidance to help businesses integrate them effectively.

What Is the Responsible Retailer Scheme and How Does It Work?

Barking and Dagenham Council runs the voluntary Responsible Retailer Scheme (RRS), inviting businesses to pledge no vape sales to under-18s. Participants commit publicly, enhancing community trust.

Trading Standards officers visit retailers routinely to provide advice, encourage enrolment, and check practices. The scheme supplements enforcement with partnership, rewarding compliant firms.

As per council details, RRS sign-ups demonstrate leadership in youth protection. Officers promote it during inspections, linking it to test purchase outcomes.

How Has Councillor Syed Ghani Responded to the Test Results?

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, praised the borough’s retailers. In his statement, he said:

“We’re pleased to see that most retailers in the borough are taking their responsibilities seriously. However, one illegal sale is still one too many.”

He continued:

“Vapes and other age-restricted products must not end up in the hands of children, and businesses must remain vigilant. We will always take action where the law is breached.”

Ghani’s comments, as quoted in the council’s official release, balance commendation with caution, urging sustained effort.

What Are the Potential Consequences for Non-Compliant Retailers?

The single failing business in this operation now confronts further action. Trading Standards may issue warnings, fixed penalty notices, or pursue prosecution, depending on circumstances.

Prosecution could result in fines, costs, or trading restrictions. Past cases in the borough have seen courts impose substantial penalties for repeated breaches.

Council policy ensures swift response to violations, deterring others. Retailers receive prior education, making failures deliberate in officers’ view.

Why Do Vape Sales to Minors Pose Such a Serious Risk?

Nicotine vapes carry significant dangers for children and teens. They risk addiction, impaired brain development, lung damage, and gateway use to other substances. UK regulations ban sales to under-18s for these reasons.

Barking and Dagenham’s tests combat rising youth vaping, linked to health service data showing increased hospital admissions. Protecting minors prevents long-term societal costs.

How Does This Operation Fit into Broader UK Trading Standards Efforts?

This local initiative echoes national campaigns by bodies like the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. UK councils collaborate on vape enforcement amid surging illegal imports.

Barking and Dagenham’s high compliance contrasts some areas’ poorer records, highlighting effective local strategies. Sharing best practices strengthens nationwide protection.

What Happens Next for Barking and Dagenham Retailers?

Trading Standards plans continued visits, guidance, and tests. Compliant businesses may join RRS for recognition. The errant retailer faces scrutiny, with outcomes shared publicly if prosecuted.

Residents can report concerns via council channels. Businesses should review policies promptly to avoid pitfalls.

This operation reinforces Barking and Dagenham’s proactive stance, blending enforcement with education for a safer borough.