Residents are being encouraged to help keep Southend's communities safe by reporting suspected underage sales of tobacco and vapes, as well as the sale of illegal and counterfeit products.
Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched a new online reporting tool, accessible via a short online form, allowing members of the public to report concerns quickly and anonymously.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death, while counterfeit tobacco and vaping products can pose serious health and safety risks. Illegal vapes may contain unsafe components and batteries, and the sale of counterfeit goods is often linked to wider criminal activity.
The Council's Trading Standards team is asking residents to report any concerns about retailers selling age-restricted products to under-18s or supplying illegal tobacco and vape products.
The launch of the reporting tool aligns with new national tobacco and vaping measures introduced from 1 October, which are designed to tackle youth vaping, crack down on illicit products and support legitimate retailers that comply with the law.
Councillor Irene Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, whose portfolio includes Regulatory Service, said:
"Protecting the public from harmful products is a priority, and we want to make it as easy as possible for residents to report any concerns they may have.
"This new reporting tool will help our Trading Standards officers target illegal activity, support responsible local businesses and keep our communities safe."
Residents can submit information anonymously using this online reporting form.
The initiative comes as the Council continues its efforts to support a thriving and well-balanced city centre. Cabinet will be considering the powers available to tackle concerns about the excessive concentration of vape shops, mobile phone repair businesses and barbers in parts of the High Street. Action against the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products forms an important part of this wider work to support legitimate businesses and maintain confidence in the local retail environment.