SGF advises caution on illicit trade after disposable vape ban – Talking Retail

The trade association for Scottish convenience stores also warned that a ban will make it more difficult for people who wish to quit smoking to access alternative nicotine products, potentially encouraging some people to revert to smoking tobacco.

SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said: NHS England has made it clear that nicotine vaping products are one of the most successful cessation aids available. At the moment, they are legally accessible and affordable for adults who wish to quit smoking, but that wont be the case after 1 April next year.

SGF wants to see tighter regulation of these products. They should not be targeted at younger people and should only be sold by legitimate traders who take their responsibilities seriously.

Those found in breach of the rules should feel the full force of the law.

However, there is already a significant illicit market for disposable vapes in the UK, including potentially unsafe products. That will only get worse after a ban.

The Scottish government, and the UK government, need to be clear about how they intend to tackle these problems, which are undoubtedly now on the horizon.

The draft regulations do not make it clear how they intend to solve the problem of increasing illicit trade, and that needs to be a priority.

Likewise, it is critical they do not over-regulate flavouring, which is proven to be the key driver for smokers switching if they wish to.

This morning, the Scottish government announced plans to ban the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, to be implemented from 1 April 2025.

This will form part of a UK-wide ban on the product that will likely come into force across the UK on a similar timetable.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has also voiced its concerns that the ban on disposables will fuel the illegal trade.

See the rest here:

SGF advises caution on illicit trade after disposable vape ban - Talking Retail