SNP pledges vape display ban in election manifesto
April 17, 2026
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney gestures during the launch of the party's campaign ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election due to be held on May 7, in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, March 26, 2026. REUTERS/Lesley Martin
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has committed to banning the display of vaping products in retail outlets as part of its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, signalling the prospect of tighter controls for the vape category across Scotland.
Under the proposal, vape and nicotine pouch products would be kept out of sight in shops, mirroring existing restrictions on tobacco displays. The party argues that brightly coloured packaging and prominent in-store displays “act as an enticement to children and young people,”, with the manifesto citing figures suggesting nearly one in five young people have tried vaping.
The move would build on existing regulatory action taken by both the UK and Scottish governments, including the ban on single-use vapes introduced in June last year on environmental grounds.
The SNP’s plan hinges on provisions within the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently progressing through Westminster, which would grant Scottish ministers additional powers to regulate vaping products. These include the ability to introduce display bans at the point of sale, aligning vape merchandising rules more closely with tobacco.
Scottish first minister John Swinney has also indicated that wider restrictions on the vape sector are under consideration. This includes potential changes to planning laws that could limit the number and location of vape shops, particularly near major transport hubs, following a high-profile fire at a Glasgow city centre vape store that led to the temporary closure of Glasgow Central station.
Health secretary Neil Gray confirmed the party’s intent to proceed with a display ban if re-elected, arguing that vaping products should be treated in line with tobacco due to their nicotine content.
“Vapes and pouches are nicotine products and their advertisement should be treated in the same way as tobacco,” he said.
“We know one in five young people have tried vaping and our teachers see how they can distract pupils in our classrooms. Where we can take action to protect the health of our young people we should and I am proud that an SNP government will deliver action here.”
The SNP is on course to win a majority in next month’s election, according to some polls.
