Retailers in Scotland have been hit with fines for selling vapes to children, with more than 40 shops penalised for the offence. Trading Standards officers in South Lanarkshire discovered that under-18s were able to purchase vapes at 44 shops, representing over a third of the establishments visited.
Over the past year, test purchases were carried out at 125 premises using volunteers under the age of 18. The officers worked closely with these young volunteers to test if retailers adhered to age verification protocols. Shockingly, 11 out of the 44 shops that sold vapes to underage volunteers did so repeatedly without checking for age identification, even after being fined £200 during initial visits.
The Scottish Government recently announced intentions to ban disposable vapes from April next year in response to such violations. Councillor Robert Brown, chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, expressed disappointment at the disregard for the law by some retailers. He emphasised concerns about the potential long-term health impacts of vaping on children, prompting calls for a complete ban on single-use vapes.
In the event of persistent non-compliance, the council plans to assess the suitability of retailers to hold licences permitting the sale of age-restricted goods. Retailers found breaching the ban could face fines ranging from £5000 to £10,000. The ban aims to curb the increasing use of vapes among under-18s, with a report revealing that more young people use vapes than cigarettes in Scotland.
The Scottish Government’s decision to implement the ban follows a public consultation that showed strong support for the measure. Acting net-zero secretary Gillian Martin highlighted that the ban would contribute to greener and healthier communities. The ban is scheduled to be enforced from April 1 next year, with stringent penalties for violators to safeguard the well-being of young individuals.
Joining the fight against underage vaping, South Lanarkshire Council is determined to crack down on illicit sales and protect the youth from potential health risks associated with vaping. The council’s proactive approach underscores the importance of enforcing regulations to safeguard vulnerable populations. As the ban on single-use vapes approaches, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure compliance and deter retailers from flouting the law, ultimately prioritising the well-being of Scotland’s youth.