North Yorkshire Council is being asked to approve an updated trading standards enforcement policy that would introduce fixed penalty notices for certain offences involving illegal tobacco and vape sales.
The proposals are intended to strengthen the council’s response to businesses breaking the law, including those selling tobacco and vape products to children, as well as tackling online scams and rogue traders.
The council’s executive will consider the revised policy on Tuesday, October 27, reflecting changes in national legislation and the growing range of threats facing consumers and legitimate businesses.
If approved, the framework would allow trading standards officers to use fixed penalty notices for certain offences under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, alongside existing enforcement measures, including prosecution.
The policy is intended to support a fair and proportionate approach, with enforcement targeted at businesses that deliberately break the law.
Illegal vapes and underage sales
The proposals come amid continuing concerns about illegal vape sales and the supply of products to children.
National figures cited by the council show that more than 1.19 million illegal vapes were seized in England during 2023 and 2024. Almost a quarter of test purchases resulted in vapes being sold unlawfully to children.
The revised policy would also formally recognise the work of the National Trading Standards e-Crime Team, which is jointly hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.
The team works with online platforms and service providers to remove misleading websites and content that can leave consumers out of pocket.
This includes websites operating from overseas that falsely present themselves as legitimate UK businesses, selling poor-quality or misdescribed goods, or taking payment without delivering products.
Protecting consumers and legitimate businesses
Councillor Richard Foster, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment: Our trading standards team play a vital role in protecting residents, supporting honest businesses and helping to ensure our communities remain safe places to live, work and shop.
This proposed updated policy provides a clear and transparent framework for enforcement, ensuring we can respond effectively to emerging challenges while taking a fair and proportionate approach.
By targeting those who deliberately flout the law and protecting consumers from harm, we are helping to create a level playing field for responsible businesses and safeguarding some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The proposed changes would also bring the trading standards policy into line with the council’s wider enforcement strategy, supporting its priorities around public safety, health and the wellbeing of local communities.
The executive is due to consider the proposals on October 27.
The full report is available in the council’s Trading Standards Enforcement Policy report.