Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to enforce the ban on single-use vapes in (i) the constituency of Broxtowe, (ii) the East Midlands and (iii) England.

The ban on the supply of single-use vapes is enforced by Local Authority Trading Standards in England. To support their vital work, the Government has provided £10 million of funding to support Trading Standards officers across England. Where an individual is caught supplying single-use vapes, they are liable to receive a £200 fixed monetary penalty and may also receive other civil sanctions. If these sanctions are not complied with, the individual will be guilty of an offence and could be liable for an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

Trading Standards have powers which allow them to enter premises to inspect for single-use vapes. They will be able to make enquiries as needed; this includes searching premises and breaking open containers to inspect stock. Regulators will be able to remove vapes from the premises, either for the purpose of investigation or for disposal.