I am seeking data on the number of convenience stores found selling illicit vapes. I believe there is a strong public interest for this information to be published due to a potential link between the popularity of vapes and the impact on the safety and wellbeing of business owners. Please can you supply the following information:

1. The number of businesses found selling illicit vapes for the period of 1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022 and January 2023 and 31 August 2023. The key search terms I am seeking in relation to the type of business are; convenience store, corner shop, grocery store, supermarket, newsagent, symbol group, tobacconist, off licence and independent retailer.
2022: Zero
2023: 5 businesses

2. Could you also provide the name the offending businesses traded under and their address.
2022: N/A
2023: This information is exempt – Section 31

3. The punishment for the business and whether they complied – warning, fine, compliance notice, escalation to the police, etc.
2022: N/A
2023: 5 investigations are ongoing so no conclusion has yet been reached.