Retailers selling vapes, tobacco and nicotine products will soon need a licence to trade, under new government proposals aimed at tackling youth vaping and rogue sellers.

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a call for evidence to shape the scheme, which would end the current system, allowing any business to sell vaping products without approval.

The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill would give enforcement officers stronger powers to shut down unlicensed stores, with fines of up to £2,500 or unlimited penalties for repeat offenders.

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Health minister Stephen Kinnock MP said the new rules would “root out rogue retailers blighting our high streets” while ensuring responsible businesses can continue to operate.

The call for evidence also seeks views from retailers, manufacturers and public health experts on packaging, flavour regulation and nicotine strength.

Retailers’ group ASH welcomed the move, calling it “a vital step in creating a smoke-free generation” and reducing child access to vapes.

Earlier this year, the UK banned the sale of disposable vapes, but experts at the time cautioned that this could further encourage the sale of illegal or unregulated products.