SGF respond to disposable vaping ban on behalf of Scottish grocers

In response to the plans announced this morning/yesterday (29th Jan), by Ministers both sides of the border, to place a UK-wide a ban on disposable vapes, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation has called for a balanced approach to be taken on implementation and restricting products in-store. Ensuring the best outcome for both retailers and the communities they serve   

SGF advocates responsible community retailing and through the Healthier Choices, Healthier Communities campaign, has an established and clear position on vaping. That ‘vaping should be for adult smokers who wish to quit, and not for children or non-smokers’.

However, vaping products are an essential cessation device for people who wish to quit smoking, and a ban could potentially have a negative impact on both public health and illicit trade (retail crime). While also putting struggling retailers under even more pressure.

The proposals included raising the tobacco age of sale so that no one born on or after 1st January 2009 legally buy tobacco and restrictions on the in-store display, flavours and packaging of vaping products.

Dr Pete Cheema OBE, SGF Chief Exec, said: “We have been working with producers to encourage alternative vaping products over disposables, and with our retail members, on delivering vape recycling bins in store.

“We are also urging producers to make names and packaging much less appealing to children. Working with our retail members to stop store placement which attracts children and non-smokers, and place vapes alongside tobacco products to show them as an alternative, not an addition.

“Ministers have chosen to ban disposables. However, it is important to take a serious look at any potential any unintended consequences such as an increase in illicit trade or reduction of vapes as a cessation device. SGF will engage with both governments to ensure the best outcome for retailers and their communities.

“It is important, though, to remember both sides of this coin. Vaping is the most successful cessation tool, and we must ensure that vapes remain accessible to adult smokers.”

SGF has raised concerns that retailers are also under immense pressure from a range of areas. External factors , such as retail crime, energy prices, inflation, high interest rates and the cost-of-living-crisis . In addition to a significant increase in regulation on a variety of product areas. For example, foods high in fat, sugar or salt, alcohol, and fireworks.

Pete added: “SGF believes in convenience retailers being able to provide a ‘full basket’ to their customers. Along with the many services convenience stores provide. Such as Post Office, bill payment services, access to cash, staple day to day food items, childcare products and pet food. All accessible within their communities.   

“Placing more and more regulatory pressure on retailers will inevitably lead to fewer stores being viable in the long term.”