Scottish Trading Standards has found that up to 20% of retailers are selling vapes to kids.
One in seven premises visited by Scottish Trading Standards officers sold cigarettes to an under 18 volunteer, while one in five sold vapes to the underage tester, revealed a report from The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS).
“These are significantly worse results than expected and may in large part be caused by the child-appealing nature of vapes, and their wide availability in shops and service premises,” said SCOTTS.
Last year, officers with young volunteers attempted 662 test purchases of vapes and 251 test purchases of tobacco at premises across Scotland with 131 failures for vapes, and 36 failures for tobacco, where sales were made to under 18s. In total 263 fixed penalties were issued by Trading Standards officers.
Alexandra Connell, Chair of SCOTSS said:
“The health of young people is a key priority for Trading Standards and smoking is the greatest threat to their health and development, especially for younger children. These results are very concerning and we will be stepping up efforts this year to support sellers with advice and continue to take enforcement action where sellers break the law.“
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said:
“It is deeply disappointing that some retailers are selling addictive and health harming tobacco and recreational nicotine products such as vapes to children.
“It is vital that retailers are held to account for under-age sales of cigarettes which, when used as manufacturers intend, will kill up to two thirds of consumers and e-cigarettes containing toxic chemicals that can damage developing lungs and brains over time.”
