A store in Preston is under investigation after failing an underage vape sales test.

Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing team and Lancashire County Council Trading Standards recently conducted a test purchasing operation on 20 August.

Three premises across Preston were tested for the sales of vapes to minors.

Read more: Preston shopkeeper faces prison if payment not made for selling over-sized vapes

One premise failed to ask for ID and sold a vape to our underage volunteer. No details have been confirmed on the shop in question, but they are now being investigated by Trading Standards.

Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health & Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: “This initiative saw one establishment fail when three young testers were sold vapes. Our Trading Standards will now take the lead on this investigation, and we will be looking to take the strongest possible action.”

“The other businesses that were tested were all compliant and did age-check our volunteers. This is great news as it means that the message is starting to sink in.”

Inspector Dave Byrne, Preston Police, said: “Selling vapes to children is not only against the law but can also put them at serious risk so we will continue to listen to community concerns and work alongside Trading Standards to tackle this issue.”

If you have concerns that a shop may be breaking the law, report the business anonymously by phoning Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

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