SGF issues advice for Scottish retailers on disposable vapes ban

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has issued an updated retailers’ guide on regulations for vaping and tobacco compliance, as well as a poster which it is encouraging members to display in their stores.

The trade body has urged its members – covering more than 5,000 convenience stores – not to be caught-out by the upcoming ban on selling disposable vaping products.

Single-use vapes – including those which are non-refillable and non-rechargable – will be banned from 1 June, with the Scottish government bringing in the new law in-line with the rest of the UK.

“Our members are committed to responsible local retailing and operating within the law. It’s important that we do all we can to help ensure they are fully prepared for this significant change, so that staff and customers are all properly educated about what the new law entails,” Pete Cheema, SGF’s chief executive, said.

“There is no transitional period in play here. From June 1, it will be an offence for a person or business to supply or offer to supply single-use vapes – or have them in their possession for supply.

“Any leftover stock come that date must be discontinued and stored separately from items for sale, clearly marked as ‘not for sale’.

“We are recommending that any of our members with concerns about complying with the ban contact their local trading standards team to ensure they are operating within the law.”

SGF said it is working with Police Scotland and trading standards nationally to help ensure its members comply with the ban – as well as to clampdown on any illicit trade after 1 June.

Those found to have broken the law could face a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years.

The new law – The Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 – is the first of two major legal changes around the use and sale of vaping products.

Further regulations are expected to be introduced through the UK government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords. This is expected to be introduced in Scotland through secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament.

SGF continues to oppose restrictions on flavour in vaping products, a proven factor in helping people switch from cigarettes to less harmful vapes.

It also encourages members to follow Challenge 25 policies to avoid the risk of illegal sales.

Guidance to retailers shared by SGF includes that on how to identify a disposable vape, when a vape is not classed as refillable and when it is not classed as rechargeable.