FOI request (FOIR-546342096)

Vapes

Requested Tue 12 September 2023
Responded Thu 14 September 2023

I am seeking data on the number of convenience stores found selling illicit vapes. I believe there is a strong public interest for this information to be published due to a potential link between the popularity of vapes and the impact on the safety and wellbeing of business owners.

Please can you supply the following information:

1. The number of businesses found selling illicit vapes for the period of 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 and 1st January 2023 to 31st August 2023.

2. The key search terms I am seeking in relation to the type of business are: convenience store, corner shop, grocery store, supermarket, newsagent, symbol group, tobacconist, off licence and independent retailer.

3. Could you also provide the name the offending businesses traded under and their address.

4. The punishment for the business and whether they complied - warning, fine, compliance notice, escalation to the police, and so on.

Ideally, I would like these figures broken down month-on-month.

Response

Information not held.

The requested information would be held by East Sussex County Council Trading Standards. Please visit their website for further information:

https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk