A concerning rise in the number of retailers selling vapes to underage children has been reported in Scotland, according to the latest data. The increase in reports of underage vape sales in Scotland has seen a sharp rise of 79%, the highest increase recorded across the UK. Despite enforcement actions having an impact in 2023, with a 132% increase in the number of suppliers caught compared to the previous year, the alarming fact is that two out of every five rogue retailers selling vapes to underage customers escaped without any repercussion.
The 2024 Underage Vape Sales Report, which collected data from 138 councils across the UK and was compiled by the UK’s largest vaping retailer Vape Club, highlighted these statistics. The findings align with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, indicating a surge in youth vaping rates and underlining the urgent need for stricter government controls to tackle this issue effectively.
Dan Marchant, the director and founder of Vape Club, expressed his concern over the current situation and stressed the need for more stringent measures to prevent underage vape sales. He revealed that an average fine of just £162 was imposed on businesses caught selling vapes to minors in 2023, significantly lower than the maximum fine of £2,500. Shockingly, three out of five confirmed cases of underage vape sales did not receive any fine at all and were merely issued a warning during the past year. Marchant emphasised the importance of imposing fines on all offenders to act as a strong deterrent.
Calling for a Vape Retail Licensing Scheme, Marchant proposed a system that would provide trading standards with over £50 million annually for proactive enforcement of laws related to the sale of tobacco and vaping products to children. He suggested that the costs of enforcing these regulations should be covered by the businesses selling the products, rather than taxpayers. Additionally, a harsher penalty system should be established to discourage unscrupulous retailers from profiting at the expense of underage customers.
While acknowledging some progress in addressing underage vape sales, Marchant highlighted the need for further action to tackle this issue effectively. He stressed that enforcing regulations and penalties would be a crucial first step in identifying and penalising those involved in selling vapes to minors. Ultimately, vaping should play a positive role in achieving the UK’s goal of becoming smoke-free by 2030.
The concerning findings of the 2024 report underscore the critical need for immediate action to prevent the sale of vapes to underage children in Scotland and across the UK. With growing concerns about youth vaping rates, tighter government controls and more robust enforcement measures are essential to safeguard the health and well-being of young people.