Traders are to be required to hold a licence to sell tobacco or vapes under the call for evidence, which forms part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently making its way through Parliament.

Health minister, Stephen Kinnock, said: ‘Our new proposals will better protect children by rooting out the rogue retailers blighting our high streets and help adults know which shops are selling legitimate products.'

Rule breakers face fines of £2,500 with the Government also seeking views from retailers, manufacturers, public health experts, charities, academics and health professionals on: flavours and ingredients; nicotine strength; design and appearance; and industry compliance.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also ban the advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products, and provide powers for regulating flavours, packaging and how and where vapes and nicotine products are displayed in shops. 

A separate consultation on introducing smoke-free and vape-free places, restrictions on vape packaging and changing how and where they are displayed in shops, will follow next year. 

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘Councils have long supported the introduction of a comprehensive licensing regime for all tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes.

‘A well-designed licensing system would give councils the tools they need to better regulate sales, protect young people, and support enforcement, without placing unnecessary burdens on responsible retailers.'