A survey commissioned by Vape Superstore has revealed significant gaps in age verification practices among vaping retailers, raising concerns about underage access to e-cigarettes. With 45% of respondents stating they have never been asked to verify their age during purchases, the findings highlight the urgency for stricter enforcement.
The survey of 1,000 e-cigarette users comes as the UK government rolls out the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which mandates enhanced age checks and imposes penalties of up to £2,500 for non-compliant retailers. Despite these measures, the survey underscores widespread inconsistencies across regions and retailers.
The survey found that while 55% of vapers have been asked for ID, a concerning 45% have not. Women are slightly more likely to be asked for age verification (60%) compared to men (46%). Regional disparities also emerged, with 80% of Northern Ireland respondents reporting they were never asked for ID, compared to just 34% in the North East.
Supermarkets were identified as the biggest culprits, with nearly half of respondents (48%) stating they were not asked for ID when purchasing vapes. Local vape shops (47%) and convenience stores (41%) also showed significant lapses, while festival stands and pharmacies demonstrated stricter enforcement, with only 4% of respondents claiming they were not asked for ID.
Interestingly, age verification rates also varied by generation. Gen Z vapers reported the highest compliance, with 92% being asked for ID, compared to 78% of Baby Boomers who were rarely challenged.
Belfast topped the list of UK cities with the poorest age verification record, with 80% of respondents saying they were never asked for ID. Other cities with high non-compliance rates include Norwich (65%) and Plymouth (60%). In contrast, Newcastle (64%), Southampton (62%), and Birmingham (61%) were noted for their relatively higher compliance rates.
The findings also pointed to generational trends in retailer preferences. Gen Z vapers were most likely to purchase from convenience stores, while Millennials favoured local vape shops, and Generation X predominantly shopped at supermarkets.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (89%) believe retailers should enforce stricter policies to deter underage vaping, with only 8% opposing the idea. Women were slightly more supportive of stricter measures (91%) than men (86%).
Norwich residents showed the highest opposition to tougher policies, with 15% disagreeing, compared to 0% opposition in Belfast, despite the latter’s poor record on age verification.
David Phillips, a representative from Vape Superstore, commented: “As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill rolls out, it is vital that retailers take more responsibility to ensure vaping products do not end up in the hands of children. Our survey shows that, on the whole, e-cigarette users support stricter age verification, which suggests everyone believes that safeguarding children during this process is a top priority. E-cigarettes are meant to help aid adult smokers quit, not encourage children to start nicotine replacement therapy.”
The survey findings underscore the need for greater vigilance and uniform enforcement of age verification laws across the UK. With underage vaping on the rise, retailers and policymakers face mounting pressure to address this public health issue effectively.
