First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled his inaugural Scottish Programme for Government, which includes a commitment to address vaping among non-smokers and youth while also tackling the environmental consequences of disposable vape products. This will involve exploring measures, including a potential ban on their sale. The threat of banning vapes has been looming over retailers for some time and has caused some unease in the retailer community, especially when vape profits are 40% and higher for retail stores.
Thousands of consumers across the UK purchase fruity flavoured, bright coloured disposable vapes from retail stores. Research indicates that nearly one in five adolescents have experimented with vaping, despite them being illegal for persons under 18. Furthermore, Zero Waste Scotland estimates that approximately 26 million single-use vapes were consumed and discarded in Scotland during the past year, with 10% ending up as litter and over 50% disposed of improperly.
The increasing littering of vapes carries a substantial and rising cost to local authorities for waste management and litter removal.
In response to a request from Scottish Ministers, the Circular Economy Minister and Public Health Minister will engage with their counterparts in the UK government, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Executive to discuss recent research findings and potential policy responses.
First Minister Yousaf stated, “We will be working constructively with retailers and other stakeholders to come up with solutions. While we will be asking for views on a ban, we are also keen to explore other interventions that could have a more immediate impact.
“Of course, this is not just an issue for Scotland – these problems are being experienced all over the UK and we will soon be holding discussions on potential solutions.”
In response to these developments, James Lowman, CEO of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), commented, “We welcome a consultation on preventing young people from accessing vaping products and addressing their environmental impact. The vaping category has grown significantly over the past few years and convenience stores across Scotland are committed to the responsible sale of these products.
“More enforcement action and clearer regulation of the vaping market is needed, but a sweeping ban on single-use vapes would be an over reaction to a category that can play a positive role in meeting Scotland’s 2034 tobacco-free targets.”
Others have said the Government should consider ways of responsibly recycling vapes as opposed to banning them or risk taking away a life-line for ex-smokers who rely on vapes to stop smoking. Ultimately, if the Government decide to ban vapes, the consequences for retailers would be devastating.
In light of the increasing financial challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and the impending prospect of a vape ban, we strongly encourage retailers to turn to PGMA for invaluable support in revitalising their businesses and gaining expert insights into emerging legislation.
Contact our team today at pgma@pgma.co.uk.
