An investigation by Xinhua news agency shows that minors were able to buy e-cigs in several shops, which led to a drop in Chinese vaping firm shares, reports Reuters.

Reporters from Xinhua news agency visited several e-cigarette shops in Tianjin and Shenyeng and found that although all shops had signs saying sales to minors were prohibited, many failed to ask for proof of the buyer’s age. The report has led experts to call for a tougher crackdown on vendors not following through on the rules. After its publication shares in Chinese vaping firms slid by 8 per cent (Huabao International Holdings Ltd) to 5 (Relx Technology) and 4 per cent (China Boton Group) respectively, according to Reuters.
"E-cigarettes pose a safety hazard to minors, and further efforts should be made to crack down on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors," Xinhua quoted Fu Jia, director of Tianjin Lawyers Association's professional committee for the protection of minors.