Vaping retailer VPZ has urged the Scottish government to follow the UK government in cracking down on illegal youth vape sales.
Plans announced by the UK government will include local enforcement squads made up of trading standards officers to carry out test purchases and clamp down on shops selling vapes to under-18s.
Under the plans, vape starter kits will also be made available to one million smokers in an innovative ‘swap to stop’ scheme.
VPZ Director Doug Mutter said: “At the moment we have a challenge in the industry where many imported, unregulated, disposable vaping products are readily available from local convenience stores, supermarkets and several other general retailers with no age verification checks or control in place.
“The plans announced today by the UK government are long overdue and a progressive move which will see targeted action on youth vaping and clearly focuses on the irresponsible retailers which are supplying to youths throughout the country.”
Mutter added: “Scotland showed great bravery in being the first UK nation to introduce a smoking ban in public places in 2006 however we have dragged our heels on this important issue and are looking badly out of touch.
“We need to see positive action and go even further by following best practices from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vaping stores. This will ensure that an appropriate challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers.”
The retailer has also offered to collaborate with the Scottish government in developing a similar ‘swap to stop’ scheme that is being introduced by the UK Government.
Mutter said: “Vaping has proven to be the most effective way for people to quit smoking and the scheme being introduced by the UK government will bring new momentum to the nation’s smoke free ambitions.”
