Scottish shopkeepers “deeply concerned” about illicit vape trade post disposables ban: survey
September 10, 2025
Illegal vapes seized from a warehouse in Sheffield (Photo: Sheffield City Council)
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has surveyed a section of its membership on the impact of the disposable vape ban, with concern expressed about its impact on illicit trade.
The convenience store trade body said that it will continue to work with the Scottish government to ensure that future restrictions on vaping products do not result in negative unintended impacts, including fuelling illicit trade and resulting in the verbal or physical abuse of staff.
SGF’s survey covered 16 member stores around the country, with results including:
- 75% agree (with almost one-in-three ‘strongly’ agreeing) that the ban on single-use vapes has encouraged the sale and purchase of illicit products
- Nearly one-in-five has seen a rise in verbal abuse towards staff
- Almost 90% are concerned about the impact of future restrictions on illicit trade
- A cost increase and flavour restrictions are seen as the steps most likely to encourage illicit trade
- Concern that restricting flavours will prevent smoking cessation among those who wish to quit
“Scotland has been a trailblazer on smoking harm reduction. But to take the next step towards the Scottish Government’s goal of a smoke-free generation, we need to make sure that the restrictions we put in place do not have unintended consequences,” Luke McGarty, SGF’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said.
“The members we have spoken to are deeply concerned about what they see as a growth in illicit trade. We need to listen to them, and ensure that future restrictions – particularly those around vape flavours and store placement – do not make the situation worse.
“Vaping should be for adults who wish to quit smoking, and it is right that the government take strong action to stop non-smokers – particularly children – from accessing vapes.
“But this is about striking a balance that achieves both those aims, and as usual we stand ready to help the Scottish Government to strike it.”
SGF has been working on sensible restrictions with policymakers in recent years, as part of its Healthier Choices, Healthier Communities campaign.
