Vapes placed near children's sweets sparks concern

The display showcases colourful vape boxes next to a children's sweets aisle

A large display of vapes at a supermarket has sparked concern over their close proximity to products aimed at children.

The Morrisons store off Mendip Roundabout in Worle, Somerset, showcases brightly coloured vapes directly between Halloween sweets and a children's toy aisle.

Councillor Jemma Coles raised the issue at a North Somerset Council committee meeting on Thursday, but was told there was little the authority could do.

Morrisons said the display is "in line with current legislation" on vaping products, however they would be contacting the store to ask them to move the products.

The council's director of public health and regulatory services, Matt Lenny, said the authority would "need more powers" to prevent shops displaying vapes next to sweets.

However, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he added teams were working to tackle the sale of illegal vapes.

A section of “clearance” vapes on the sides of the display are positioned behind a box of children's hula hoops

A spokesperson for Morrisons said the supermarket employ a Challenge 25 policy to ensure that customers are at least 18 years old before they can be sold smoking products.

They added: "Where possible, we aim to locate vaping products away from areas of the store with products suitable for younger people, however this is not always possible in all stores.

Toys are located further down the aisle, which also stocks chocolate bars and children's magazines

"We also do not offer vape flavours that may be considered appealing to younger people including bubble-gum.

"All vaping products sold within Morrisons stores are subject to our strict sourcing policies, including being MHRA registered and passing all relevant diligence checks.”