More than 100 Birmingham shops were issued warnings by the city council for violating vape regulations last year, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The FOI revealed that 108 shops or shop owners received warnings for illegal vape sales in 2025.
Strict Vape Regulations in Force
The regulations, enforced by Birmingham City Council, ban the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes, a measure that took effect on June 1, 2025. These rules are part of the UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which set strict standards for all nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes and refills.
Retailers must ensure they only sell tobacco with standardized packaging, cigarette packs containing at least 20 cigarettes, and roll-your-own tobacco with a minimum weight of 30 grams. Additionally, health warnings must cover 65 percent of the front and back of packaging, and only unflavoured cigarettes or roll-your-own tobacco are permitted, with an exemption for menthol cigarettes.
E-cigarettes must feature health warnings, have a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml (unless licensed as medicines), and refills must be no larger than 10ml. Disposable e-cigarettes, cartridges, and tanks are limited to a maximum size of 2ml.
Operation Cloud Enforcement Raids
This year, Birmingham City Council's Trading Standards team has collaborated with West Midlands Police on a series of enforcement raids under Operation Cloud. These raids targeted premises across the city, seizing numerous illicit and unsafe products.
Operation Cloud is part of the council's commitment to disrupting the illegal trade of counterfeit and unsafe goods. According to the council, these products are often linked to organised crime, undermine legitimate businesses, and pose serious health risks to residents, including children.
Sajeela Naseer, director of regulation and enforcement at Birmingham City Council, stated: “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. We will continue to maximise joint interventions, identify offenders, seize harmful products and protect our communities from those who put profit before public safety.”
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons of Operation Fearless added: “Working with partners at the City Council, including Trading Standards colleagues, is vital to the success of Operation Fearless. Since our launch in Erdington last year, we have carried out several joint operations with highly successful outcomes, much like this one. Fearless exists to drive down crimes that matter to local people – and we know that includes the trade of illicit and illegal goods. We will continue to work in partnership as our officers strive to help make Erdington as safe as possible for those living and working there.”
