• Following the launch of the initial LVA pilot in Tunbridge Wells in September 2024 and Ashford in May 2025, a third LVA pilot is launching in Maidstone on 13th February 2026.
• Since the single use vape ban on 1st June 2025, Trading Standards have recorded compliance rates in Tunbridge Wells of 90%, 10% higher than non-LVA areas in Kent.
• The LVA brings together representatives from Kent trading standards, Kent Police, Kent Community Safety teams and Kent Public Health as well as industry [1] , and Maidstone Borough Council. LVA is a local partnership approach delivering targeted action and engagement to address specific vaping related issues.
• New research shows 85% of residents in the Maidstone area support the development of the LVA.
• 69% are aware of illegal vapes being sold in the Maidstone area of Kent (either very aware, seen or heard about it in the news, heard about it from other people or suspected it).

LVA

Local Vape Action (LVA) is a partnership approach to tackling vaping issues at a local level. It brings together local authority partners as well as the vape sector via the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), to identify and target specific areas.

LVA began with a pilot in Tunbridge Wells as identified by local authority partners in Kent. As part of the project retailers received visits from trading standards to check that they are meeting their statutory obligations, utilising targeted LVA guidance, including age-verification policies, in-store signage and retailer awareness of compliant vape products and vape takeback for used vapes. This builds on the positive work that Kent County Council has undertaken in tackling illegal vapes.

LVA commissioned consumer research of 200 adults in the Maidstone area in January 2026 (copy available on request):

• 69% are aware of illegal vapes being sold in the Maidstone area of Kent (either very aware, seen or heard about it in the news, heard about it from other people or suspected it).
• 23% have seen (or strongly suspected) illegal vapes being sold in Maidstone and 36% of those reported it to authorities (53% reported to the Police, as well as Citizens Advice, local council and Crimestoppers).
• 30% were either somewhat or fully aware of Local Vape Action (LVA).
• 85% believe the LVA is either a good or excellent initiative (12% are neutral, 1% do not support).
• 84% of all those surveyed said they would report illegal vapes to vapes@kent.gov.uk if they knew action would be taken.
• Of potential actions in Maidstone, 27% would like to see reduced visibility of vapes in shop windows, 28% reported action against businesses selling to children, 23% visible Challenge 25 signage, 21% action against retailer that are not compliant with recycling requirements.
• 89% believe it is either a good or excellent initiative to place visible LVA signage in retailers’ windows if they pass Challenge 25 checks, have evidence of vape take back and only sell compliant vapes.
• 14% either regularly or occasionally vape. 64% of those were aware that you can recycle vapes of which 64% currently recycle their vapes.
• 48% believe vaping is not less harmful than smoking (29% believe it is less harmful)

Commenting on the launch in Maidstone, Kent.

Helen Grant MP, Conservative MP for Maidstone and Malling said: “Illegal vaping is an issue I hear about from constituents and, sadly, one I have seen first-hand when out on Maidstone’s high streets. I am particularly concerned around the availability of illegal products and the impact this is having on young people.

That is why initiatives like Local Vape Action are so important. By bringing together local authorities, enforcement teams and community partners, this project shows how targeted, locally-led action can address specific problems and deliver real results on the ground.

I strongly welcome the launch of Local Vape Action in Maidstone and will continue to support practical measures that crack down on illegal sales, protect children, and ensure the rules are properly enforced.“

Jim Whiddett, Operations Manager at Kent Trading Standards said: “The LVA has brought partners and retailers together to support responsible retailing of vapes.

By working together, we can have a positive impact and reduce the risk of illegal and potentially dangerous vapes being sold in Kent.”

Councillor David Naghi, Maidstone Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Safety said: “Maidstone Borough Council is delighted to be part of Local Vape Action and support the development of local strategies to promote the responsible and legal sale and use of vapes in the Borough.

Successful pilot projects in Tunbridge Wells and Ashford have demonstrated that by uniting Trading Standards, Kent Police, MBC’s community safety team, public health partners and the vape industry, we can undertake a co-ordinated approach to educate and support responsible retailers, whilst dealing robustly with those who will continue to operate illegally.”

[ 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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