Standing together against ‘illegal and immoral’ sales of illegal vapes and tobacco

KEY partners fighting the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco across North East Lincolnshire came together to discuss a way forward in the battle against rogue outlets and those who operate them.

Led by North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Oliver Freeston, the event was attended by authority representatives from planning, licensing, public health, legal, enforcement and the ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour) team, and Trading Standards.

They were joined by Humberside Police, a representative for the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Regional Tobacco and Vapes Coordinator.

Opening the summit into this illegal activity, Cllr Freeston said: “What I want to look at is how we can work together and see what measurable and tangible differences we can make.”

Issues raised included the need to ensure outlets cannot be closed down – to simply open again and continue their illegal activity. New Government legislation is coming down the line to support this aim, but a fuller understanding was needed on the detail and how new powers would and could be actioned.

Opportunities for more action were talked about – such as looking at how planning regulations could be tightened nationally to provide councils with more powers to prevent the opening of certain retail outlets, and how more evidence of illegal sales and anti-social behaviour can be gathered. The latter would help in the legal process to ensure ‘closure orders’ could be issued against outlets.

In the meantime, Trading Standards, with the support of police, will continue working with colleagues and partners to ensure as much as possible is done to deter illegal sales and the criminal activity that is associated with it.

Cllr Freeston said: “This was an extremely productive meeting in terms of understanding the challenges, but really importantly looking at the opportunities and what more we can do.

“I am determined that we will do all we can together to try and fight against this illegal and immoral trade in products – which may be sold to, or end up, in the hands of children and young people.”