Birmingham City Council has issued warnings to 26 shops across the city for selling illegal vapes so far in 2026, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
The figures show a significant drop compared to last year, when 108 shops were cautioned for breaking vape laws. Monthly breakdown for 2026 includes zero warnings in January, 10 in February, four in March, eight in April, and four in May.
Stricter Regulations
Strict laws banning single-use disposable vapes came into effect on June 1, 2025, prohibiting the sale and supply of these products by shops, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, healthcare settings, and stop-smoking services across the UK.
Birmingham City Council has previously stated that retailers found in breach may face fines, product seizures, and legal action.
Enforcement Operations
This year, the Trading Standards team, in collaboration with West Midlands Police, has conducted several enforcement raids under Operation Cloud. In March, officers removed dangerous tobacco products, illegal vapes, nitrous oxide, counterfeit goods, and unsafe toys from circulation.
Operation Cloud is part of the council’s commitment to disrupting the illegal trade of counterfeit and unsafe goods, which are often linked to organised crime, undermine legitimate businesses, and pose real health risks to residents, including children.
Council Statement
Sajeela Naseer, director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, said: “The sheer volume of illicit and unsafe items seized over these few days shows exactly why sustained, targeted action is essential. These goods are not just illegal, they are dangerous.”
She added: “We will continue to maximise joint interventions, identify offenders, seize harmful products and protect our communities from those who put profit before public safety.”
