Kent Councillor Raises Concerns Over Illegal Vape Sales and Public Health Risks
A Kent councillor has expressed concerns about the increasing rates of illegal vape sales and their associated public health risks. Research by University College London, funded by Cancer Research UK, indicates a rise in illegal tobacco purchases, with 23.1% of surveyed smokers admitting to buying tobacco illegally. Despite this, the overall illicit tobacco market size has not grown. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 aims to curb teenage access to vapes, but challenges remain. Councillor Tony Harwood highlights the environmental and health risks of disposable vapes, which are often discarded improperly. He criticizes the government's delayed response to the vaping threat and calls for more proactive measures. 
