Liverpool is seeing a dramatic decline in the number of young people smoking and vaping, according to new findings from Trading Standards North West.
The latest annual Youth Survey shows that regular smoking among 14–17-year-olds has fallen to an all‑time low of just 1 per cent, with 93 per cent reporting they have never tried a cigarette. Vaping rates have also dropped from 38 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent this year.
Alcohol use among young people has seen a similar shift. The proportion of Liverpool teenagers who say they have never drunk alcohol has risen from 50 per cent to 72 per cent over the same time period.
The survey, which has run since 2005, explores the attitudes and behaviours of young people across the region. This year, 622 young people in Liverpool took part.
The results help Trading Standards monitor illegal sales of age‑restricted products and support efforts to protect young people from harm.
Despite the positive downward trends, those who do vape or drink say they often obtain products through friends, family members, or by purchasing them from local shops.
Liverpool City Council’s Trading Standards team continues to investigate reports of illegal sales to under‑18s. Initial visits to shops focus on offering advice and guidance on the law, followed by underage test purchases carried out by trained volunteers.
Between March 2025 and February 2026, 84 test purchases were conducted. Most retailers complied with the law after receiving guidance, but 13 shops failed the tests. Of those, six were ordered to close by the courts, based on evidence gathered by Trading Standards.
Closure orders are issued to retailers who repeatedly break the law by selling to minors or supplying illicit goods such as illegal vapes and cigarettes.
The most recent Liverpool shops to receive closure orders for selling to children are Woolton Convenience Store and Pilch Lane News.
Local support
Anyone in Liverpool who needs support to quit smoking or vaping can access free, confidential help from Smoke Free Liverpool:
- Call: 0151 374 2535
- Text: QUIT1 to 61825
- Visit: https://www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk/
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “These results show that our work is making a real difference to the lives of young people in this city.
“Liverpool will not tolerate retailers who put profit before children’s health, and we will continue to take firm action against anyone who thinks they can flout the law.
“Every young person deserves to grow up free from the harms of smoking, vaping and alcohol, and we are absolutely committed to protecting them.”
Liverpool City Council’s Director of Public Health, Matt Ashton, said: “This is really encouraging progress and shows the impact of sustained public health and trading standards action across the city.
“Reducing exposure to smoking, vaping and alcohol at a young age is one of the most effective ways to improve long‑term health outcomes.
“While these findings are positive, we cannot be complacent. We need to continue working closely with families, schools, communities and retailers to make sure young people are protected and supported to make healthy choices.”
