Underage Sales: Vapes and Cosmetics Sold Easily to Teens

Underage consumers are finding it alarmingly easy to purchase age-restricted products and services, including nicotine vapes and cosmetic procedures, on the high street. An undercover investigation sent minors aged 14 to 17 into shops, revealing that many routinely acquire these goods without proper age verification. Five out of eight vape stores approached sold nicotine vapes to the underage shoppers, with some staff failing to ask for ID or proceeding with sales even when informed the shopper lacked it.

Beyond vapes, a 17-year-old secret shopper successfully booked a consultation for lip fillers without being asked for identification. The ease with which these age-restricted treatments can be accessed raises serious concerns about consumer protection. This situation is compounded by significant challenges faced by Trading Standards. Spending on these vital services has fallen by over 50% in the last decade, leading to a 30% reduction in staff. This underfunding and recruitment crisis severely hampers the enforcement of laws designed to protect consumers, including children, from harm.