Test purchasing exercises were carried out for cigarettes in 37 shops and for disposable vapes in 14 shops. This resulted in seven cigarette sales (a 19% fail rate) and five vape sales (36% fail rate).

Overall, this is a 24% failure rate, compared with 15% in a similar exercise carried out last year.

Fixed penalty notices have been issued to the shops which sold the products without checking the age of the person buying them.

Shop staff must be trained to check customers’ age before selling tobacco and vaping products by asking for, and being shown, a valid and recognised photo ID, such as a passport, photographic driving licence or proof of age scheme approved card. They are advised to do this by operating a Challenge 25 policy; if a customer looks under the age of 25, proof of age is required.

Trading Standards Officers work with local businesses to ensure they are fully aware of the law and their legal obligations on sales of tobacco and vaping products. They will continue to undertake unannounced checks on shops across the area to identify those shops breaking the law on underage sales.

Paul Bannister, Protective Services Manager said: “Councils are seeing a sharp rise in cases of retailers selling vaping products to people under the age of 18. The evidence suggests that vaping is by no means risk-free, so it is alarming that young people are getting easy access to and using e-cigarettes.

“This is why we are calling for tougher and stricter regulation of vaping products to tackle the growing cases of children getting hold of them.”

Trading Standards Officers across Scotland would like to see the same advertising and sales restrictions on vapes as are applied to tobacco; products hidden from view in shops and restricting or banning the marketing of bright colours and flavours which are attractive to under 18s.

Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee which oversees the Trading Standards service, said: “I have particular concerns around the issue of disposable vapes which appeal to under 18s because of the flavours, bright colours and a low price of £4 to £8.

‘’E-cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive and young people who use these them may be encouraged to take up smoking in the future.’

“Vapes should only be used as an aid to quit smoking. While research has shown vaping poses a fraction of the risks of smoking, it is deeply worrying that more children – who have never smoked – are starting vaping.”

Businesses who would like advice on underage sales can contact Trading Standards on tradingstandards@northlan.gov.uk In addition, any member of the public who suspects a trader is selling tobacco, solvents, alcohol or other age restricted products to under 18s, can also contact the Council at this email address to provide information, in confidence.