Scottish c-store retailers fear illicit trade will soar
SCOTTISH retailers fear that proposals to restrict tobacco, vaping and wider nicotine products across stores will simply drive up the illicit trade.
The Scottish Government revealed plans last month to limit displays, packaging and the appearance of nicotine products in stores in a bid to “make them less appealing to young people”. It launched a public consultation on 10 July that will run for 12 weeks.
The UK Government has also specified its ambition to restrict flavour descriptors across packs – banning names such as “Unicorn Dream”.
Respected Aberdeen retailer Chris Cobb, of Cults Stores, said imposing the same restrictions that currently apply to tobacco – plain packaging and keeping products out of sight – would be going too far.
He said: “With many customers vaping to try to give up smoking, these restrictions would make it much more difficult as they would not be able to see the products and range you have.
“If plain packaging and keeping products out of sight does come into force, then all that will do is see an increase of illicit or counterfeit vapes. But I agree with trying to cut out flavour names that sound like sweets or juice and that are more appealing to youngsters.”
He said the Government should be investing to crack down on shops that sell to underage customers, target those making proxy purchases and ensure a Challenge 25 policy was mandatory in all shops.
Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston, Glasgow, said: “I find the measures they are attempting to put in place so frustrating.
“A visual ban means anything can hide behind gantries. Illicit trade will sky-rocket and the consumer will be none the wiser until it’s too late. The proposals just give more for criminals to hide behind.”
Like Chris, she agreed the flavours should not be appealing to children by emulating confectionery brands.
Natalie also felt that fines, removing stock and the English plan to shut illegal vape shops for 12 months in an attempt to were not the answer to preventing criminal operations. She said: “Illicit traders should go to prison. We need harsher prosecutions to stop it dead.”
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation said its members had demonstrated their commitment to responsible retailing by fully implementing the ban on single-use vapes and maintaining robust safeguards for age-restricted sales through measures such as Challenge 25, till prompts and refusal registers.
Chief exec Pete Cheema said: “Further restrictions without effective enforcement will place even greater pressure on responsible retailers while doing little to tackle illicit trade. It could also limit access to legitimate vaping products for adult smokers looking to quit.
“Both the Scottish and UK Governments must consider the cumulative impact of additional regulation on local retailers. Every new obligation increases the cost of doing business and threatens the sustainability of the convenience stores that communities rely on.”
ScotGov health minister Maree Todd said: “We urge everyone to have their say to help protect children and young people and reduce preventable harm.”
