Since the single-use vape ban came into force on 1 June, nearly one-in-five Scottish shop staff surveyed by The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) have seen an increase in verbal abuse.
The survey, which covered 16 member stores around the country, found 75% of shop staff think the ban has encouraged illicit trade, while almost 90% are concerned about the impact of future restrictions on illicit trade. A cost increase and flavour restrictions are seen as the steps most likely to encourage illicit trade, while there is also concern that restricting flavours will prevent smoking cessation among those who wish to quit.
SGF Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Luke McGarty, said: “Scotland has been a trailblazer on smoking harm reduction. But to take the next step towards the Scottish Government’s goal of a smoke-free generation, we need to make sure that the restrictions we put in place do not have unintended consequences.
“The members we have spoken to are deeply concerned about what they see as a growth in illicit trade. We need to listen to them, and ensure that future restrictions – particularly those around vape flavours and store placement – do not make the situation worse.
“Vaping should be for adults who wish to quit smoking, and it is right that the government take strong action to stop non-smokers – particularly children – from accessing vapes.
“But this is about striking a balance that achieves both those aims, and as usual we stand ready to help the Scottish Government to strike it.”
SGF will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that future restrictions on vaping products do not result in negative unintended impacts, including fuelling illicit trade and verbal or physical abuse of staff.
