Cardiff Council wants more powers to clamp down on sale of illegal tobacco and vapes
Cardiff Council will vote on September 24 on a motion calling for stronger enforcement against illegal tobacco and vape sales on city high streets.Summary
Cardiff Council will vote on September 24 on a motion by Labour councillor Owen Jones of Adamsdown ward, calling for strengthened enforcement against "rogue retailers" selling illegal tobacco and vaping products. The motion advocates for a more proactive, intelligence-led enforcement approach and closer collaboration with South Wales Police, HMRC, and other agencies to target organised criminal networks rather than individual premises. Following recent Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) investigations that led to enforcement action against multiple premises, the motion highlights how outdated planning frameworks have contributed to vacant shops and an overproliferation of vape shops and low-footfall businesses on Cardiff's high streets. The motion also calls on the Welsh Government to provide additional resources for Trading Standards, review local authorities' powers, and amend Welsh planning regulations to require dedicated permissions for vape shops. Additionally, it urges the UK Government to introduce stronger border enforcement and import controls to disrupt illicit supply chains. Both the proposer and seconder are members of Welsh Labour, the party currently in control of Cardiff Council.
(Source：Yahoo News UK)
