The sale was made to a Police Youth Volunteer (PYV) taking part in a joint operation between South Wales Police’s Community Safety Team and Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards. The volunteers visited five businesses to test whether staff would follow the law on age‑restricted sales of fireworks and vapes.
Fireworks sellers passed the test
Two of the businesses were selling fireworks and both immediately asked the volunteers to confirm they were over 18 before refusing sales.
Vape sale leads to seizure
However, one shop sold a vape to the 15‑year‑old volunteer. Enquiries with the seller and store manager led to Trading Standards seizing more than 100 disposable vapes suspected to be illegal. After further scrutiny, 84 were later returned as legal, but the remainder were confiscated.
Investigations are now continuing with a local wholesaler reported to be the source of the illegal products, which have been banned since earlier this year.
Two further shops in Neath were also tested and refused sales after asking for ID as soon as the volunteers entered.
Police and council reaction
PCSO Andrew Neal said:
“The laws around the sale of fireworks and vapes to children are there for a reason – both can be extremely dangerous when in irresponsible hands. It is pleasing that the vast majority of the businesses visited during this operation were found to be compliant with legislation, yet it is equally disappointing to find that one business was still caught selling products to children and later found to be stocking illegal items. This was also a great showcase for the important work carried out by our Police Youth Volunteers – well done to those involved.”
Councillor Cen Phillips added:
“Enforcement agencies share intelligence on this kind of activity and coordinate action where possible to protect the public and to help prevent anti‑social behaviour. Trading Standards carry out routine test purchasing and advise businesses on their obligations in respect of underage sales and product safety, taking enforcement action where necessary to ensure that all products sold in our community are safe.”
Public advice
Members of the public who suspect illegal sales of age‑restricted goods are urged to call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
