Teenage volunteers visited shops during a test purchase operation and were sold items they were too young for on two occasions.
Between 7 and 11 July, Slough Trading Standards officers acted on intelligence received and sent out the underage volunteers into shops around the Slough area to see if they could buy disposable vaping products.
Twelve premises were visited and two of the shops sold to a 15-year-old volunteer. It is a criminal offence to sell vapes and other Nicotine Inhaling Products to young people under the age of 18.
The two shops which sold to the volunteers were not the usual type of businesses that sell such age-restricted products. One was a mobile phone shop and the other was a dry cleaner.
This highlights the concern that such premises do not have a process set up to challenge customers by asking for proof of age, unlike many of the more normal vaping outlets.
The shops have been notified and the team is currently deciding what action to take in accordance with its enforcement policy. This could result in a prosecution and an unlimited fine.
Councillor Chandra Muvvala, lead member for public protection, I.T, customer service and young futures, said: “It’s disappointing there has been these sales, especially as there has been rising levels of youth vaping. This has coincided with the introduction of inexpensive and appealing disposable vapes such as the ones sold to the volunteers.
“Selling vapes to under 18s is illegal, and we will continue our efforts in tackling the problem. If you come across anyone unlawfully selling vapes or tobacco, you can report them to trading standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline."