More than 1,700 single-use vapes seized from shop

More than 1,700 illegal single-use vapes have been seized from a town centre shop, police say.

They were found during spot-checks at three stores in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

New laws came into force in June which require retail outlets to only stock reusable vapes.

The owner of the shop was given advice, but the police have warned that there will be follow-up inspections for any premises found flouting the law.

From 1 June, it has been illegal for shops to supply single-use vapes.

The government introduced the regulations because the disposable variety contribute towards plastic pollution, and can also be a fire risk when taken to landfill sites because they have lithium batteries.

Retailers are now only allowed to sell reusable vapes, which must have a rechargeable battery or a replaceable coil, and be designed to be refilled.

Two of the premises visited by the police and trading standards officers in Wellingborough on Tuesday were found to be complying with the law, but 1,734 disposable vapes, along with a packet of illegal imported cigarettes, were seized at the third shop.

Northamptonshire Police said: "On this occasion, the premises occupier was given advice.

"However, under the new legislation, premises found to be flouting the law will receive future follow-up inspections."

Government advice states that retailers who sell illegal vapes will be served with a civil notice or a given a small fine in the first instance.

Repeated offenders could find themselves facing an unlimited fine or a jail sentence of up to two years.

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