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:
- LVA branded guidance materials.
- Trading Standards (TS) visits to stores selling vapes
- Test purchasing and enforcement led activity
- Store pop-ups in Tunbridge Wells linked to community safety activity
- Community newsletters to local residents
- Communications to vape retailers to highlight used vape take back requirements
- LVA partner insights, supplemented by new evaluation research in December 2024.
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 info@localvapeaction.co.uk
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