Supporting retailers to prepare for new legal milestone
THE Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has urged retailers across the country to not be caught out by the incoming disposable vape ban.
Set to be introduced from 1 June 2025, single-use vapes – including those that are non-refillable and non-rechargeable – will no longer be legal for sale and any retailer caught doing so will face a hefty fine or potential jail time.
Pete Cheema, chief executive at the SGF, said: “Our members are committed to responsible local retailing and operating within the law. It’s important that we do all we can to help ensure they are fully prepared for this significant change, so that staff and customers are all properly educated about what the new law entails.”
The SGF aims to support its members, covering more than 5,000 convenience stores, to ensure they remain on the right side of the law.
To do so, the industry firm has issued an updated retailers’ guide on regulations for vaping and tobacco compliance, as well as a poster which the SGF is encouraging its members to display in their stores.
Further to this, the SGF has confirmed it will work alongside Police Scotland and Trading Standards Scotland teams across the country to ensure its members comply with the ban and clamp down on any illicit trade after 1 June.
Retailers across the UK have been urged to ensure all stock is sold before the cut-off, with DEFRA warning that any stock left on the shelf will need to be disposed of safely.
Cheema said: “There is no transitional period in play here. From 1 June, it will be an offence for a person or business to supply or offer to supply single-use vapes – or have them in their possession for their supply.
“Any leftover stock come that date must be discontinued and stored separately from items for sale, clearly marked as ‘not for sale’.
“We are recommending that any of our members with concerns about complying with the ban contact their local Trading Standards team to ensure they are operating within the law.”
