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Local Vape Action is a partnership approach delivering targeted action and engagement to address specific vaping related issues at a local level
LVA is a local partnership approach delivering targeted action and engagement to address specific vaping related issues
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Local Vape Action (LVA) is a partnership approach to tackling vaping issues at a local level. Bringing together the vape sector via the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA)[1] and local authority partners to identify and target specific areas. LVA’s work is inspired by the work of the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP). LVA is beginning with pilot approaches in the South East (Tunbridge Wells) as identified by local authority partners in Kent. The results of this pilot and other planned pilot phases will inform the ongoing development of a national LVA that is set to launch in 2025, that will provide support to local LVA projects across the UK.
[1] The IBVTA is the trade organisation for all responsible and ethical independent vape businesses and represents the UK’s leading vape manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. The IBVTA and its members are entirely independent from the tobacco industry.
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Tunbridge Wells (Kent)
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Kent Trading Standards via their local partners agreed to focus a pilot in Tunbridge Wells. Partners include Kent police, trading standards, public health and the community safety unit along with the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA).
An LVA in Tunbridge Wells would be a positive extension of the work that Kent County Council and partners have already undertaken in tackling illegal vapes.
A project plan was developed including baseline understanding, planned engagement and interventions, communications and evaluation. Examples include:
Pilot launched in September 2024
The event in Tunbridge Wells was attended by LVA partners, along with Kent County Council Cabinet Member, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the MP for Tunbridge Wells.
The LVA launch received widespread media coverage from broadcast, online and trade.
Early assessment of the impact of the LVA
Following several visits to Tunbridge Wells, in December 2024 enforcement agencies reported a reduction in illegal sales of vapes.
Independent research conducted in December 2024 of 200 adults in the Tunbridge Wells area revealed that 84% supported the implementation of the LVA.
A full evaluation report was published in March 2025 and available on request via the LVA email. The LVA is also referenced on Kent County Council’s website
For more information on the LVA and the Tunbridge Wells pilot please contact [email protected]
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