Businesses selling tobacco and vapes illegally could face fixed penalty notices under proposals being considered by North Yorkshire Council.
The council’s executive will meet on Tuesday (27th October) to consider an updated enforcement policy for its trading standards team.
The proposed changes would introduce fixed penalty notices for certain offences under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, alongside existing enforcement options including prosecution.
The council says the policy would help officers tackle businesses deliberately breaking the law, particularly those selling tobacco or vape products to children.
It would also cover wider trading standards work, including tackling online scams and rogue traders.
According to national figures cited by the council, more than 1.19 million illegal vapes were seized in England during 2023 and 2024, while almost a quarter of test purchases resulted in vapes being sold unlawfully to children.
The revised policy would also formally recognise work carried out by 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.
This includes targeting websites operating from overseas that falsely present themselves as UK businesses, selling poor-quality or misdescribed goods, or failing to deliver orders.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member responsible for trading standards, Cllr Richard Foster, said:
“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 council says the revised policy reflects changes in national legislation and the growing range of issues facing trading standards officers.
Reading results rise at Saltergate Schools in Harrogate
Harrogate retail staff invited to drop-in event tackling crime and abuse
New Harrogate sensory room opens in memory of baby Noah
Harrogate hospital praised by patients after 'Good' CQC rating
Harrogate food hall launches unique pickle-filled Christmas hamper
North Yorkshire councillors could receive 2.6 per cent allowance rise
Plans for new multi-billion pound approach to care services
Allerton Castle Christmas experience set to return
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport
Starbeck Badger of the Year shares lifesaving skills with classmates
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned
Irving Weaver appointed Life President of Harrogate Town AFC
Farm near Ripon scoops national farming award
WATCH: Magical woodland trail to support Masham primary school
Fountains Abbey prepares to host two-day Christmas market
New society aims to revive Harrogate's spa heritage
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?
Man found dead at property on Franklin Road in Harrogate
Killinghall Village Hall goes greener with £27,000 improvement project
Driver caught at 131mph ordered to pay over £1,500 at Harrogate court
