Are Shops in Cornwall Selling Vapes to Kids? New Anonymous Reporting Site Launched

Young people can now report shops selling vapes to under-18s anonymously through VapeANON.com

A new anonymous reporting tool has been launched to help tackle the illegal sale of vapes to children in Cornwall. VapeANON.com, developed by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team, allows young people to share information about retailers breaking the law.

The move follows concerns raised by students during the Council’s Annual Conversation, where young people called for more action on vaping in schools.

How It Works

The VapeANON website is designed to make reporting quick and easy. Stickers promoting the site, including a QR code, will be placed around schools, allowing students to scan and report instantly via their smartphones. Alternatively, the site can be accessed by typing www.vapeanon.com into a browser.

Reports made through VapeANON are entirely anonymous. Information submitted about shops or online retailers selling vapes to children will be reviewed by Trading Standards. Reports concerning vapes containing illicit substances will be shared with the police.

“Retailers Must Follow the Law”

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Public Protection, urged businesses to ensure they follow the law.

“This reporting tool allows young people to share information entirely anonymously. This will help our Trading Standards team gather intelligence about the sale of vapes to children and young people,” said Martyn.

“I urge all businesses to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities regarding the sale of age-restricted products. They can do this by accessing a toolkit free of charge from proofofage.org.uk.

“Where required, we will take action against retailers who are not complying with the law.”

Young People Drive the Change

Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Together for Families, said the project came directly from concerns raised by young people.

“I share their concerns and thank them for their input in this project,” said Barbara.

“I really hope this empowers young people to help make their school a better place to learn and thrive.”

One of the students involved in the Annual Conversation revealed how widespread the issue is.

“Whilst working with other young people to create an action plan to address the issue of young people vaping, we all discovered that most of us knew at least one person who had bought a vape illegally.

“We all felt like something had to be done to prevent more young people accessing vapes, so I’m very proud that Trading Standards listened to the concerns of the young people and are working to combat this issue.”

Health Concerns Over Vaping in Young People

Andy Virr, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Public Health, emphasised the health risks of vaping among young people.

“While vaping is a great way to quit or cut down smoking, it is not suitable for children and young people. Their developing lungs and brains mean they are more sensitive to its effects,” said Andy.

“I urge young people to think carefully about their choices regarding smoking and vaping and to consider the impact on their health.”

Taking Action

Selling vapes containing nicotine to anyone under 18 is illegal, but concerns remain over retailers breaking the law.

By using VapeANON.com, young people in Cornwall now have a way to take action against shops selling vapes to underage buyers—without revealing their identity.