Third pilot launched to tackle vaping harms

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Representatives of KCC, Kent Police and Trading Standards standing in front of LVA banners

KCC and Trading Standards leads with Kent Police at the launch of the Maidstone LVA pilot, including: Mark Rolfe, KCC Head of Community Protection (far left), with Paul Webb, KCC Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services (second left), Wendy May, Trading Standards Officer (second right) and Jim Whiddett, Operations Manager, Kent Trading Standards (far right)

A project bringing Kent Trading Standards, Kent Police, partners, retailers and local communities together to support legitimate businesses and reduce the illegal vape trade has been launched in Maidstone.

The Local Vape Action (LVA) partnership has rolled out in the county town after making a difference through similar schemes in Tunbridge Wells and Ashford.

The Maidstone LVA pilot includes Kent Trading Standards working with:

  • vape shops – with the help of the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), to guide and train them on the legal requirements for purchasing nicotine products. This includes asking customers who appear under 25 to show valid ID when buying age-restricted goods, like vapes, and preventing ‘proxy purchases’ - when an adult buys an item on behalf of someone under 18.
  • schools, community events and youth workers – to raise awareness of vape harms and the retailing rules.

Kent Trading Standards operations manager, Jim Whiddett, said: “We’re very excited about a third LVA in Kent. These partnerships are about helping compliant businesses thrive on the local high street and stopping illegal vapes and under-age sales to children.

“We’re proving that by working together, and supporting local businesses to get it right, we can reduce the risk of illicit and potentially dangerous vapes being sold in Kent.”

Paul Webb is smiling for his headshot photo in front of the county hall steps

“Trading Standards have recorded compliance rates in Tunbridge Wells of 90%. That's 10% higher than non-LVA areas in Kent”

Paul Webb KCC Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services

Kent County Council's (KCC) Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Paul Webb, who attended the Maidstone launch, said:  “I’ve been really impressed with the impact the LVA partnership is having in our communities.

“Since the single-use vape ban was introduced on 1 June 2025, Trading Standards have recorded compliance rates in Tunbridge Wells of 90%. That's 10% higher than non-LVA areas in Kent.

“With a recent LVA survey of 200 Maidstone residents finding 69% were aware of illegal vapes being sold in the local area, I know this latest pilot has lots to do and will make positive changes.”

Find out more about Local Vape Action and its pilot schemes in Kent

Spotting and reporting illegal vapes and sales

  1. identify illegal vapes by looking for an ECID number on the packaging of vapes. Visit Vapes - Kent County Council, enter your ECID number into the MHRA search facility. If your vape is not listed (you may have to scroll down) then it is not compliant, and it could be dangerous.
  2. if you have any concerns about the vapes being sold in your community, email the vape team who want to hear from you at vape@kent.gov.uk
  3. you can also report issues to: Citizens Advice consumer service, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Visit the Crimestoppers website