Amid a worrying increase in schoolchildren vaping in Scotland, there are calls for £10,000 fines each time a retailer makes underage sales instore or online.
Rogue retailers who sell vape products to minors should be fined at least £10,000 for each offence, according to an influential trade body.
The UK Vaping Industry Association said the time had come to get tough and cut under-age sales off at source.
It also wants £10,000 fines each time stores sell illegal products and has called for robust enforcement to clampdown on unscrupulous traders.
The UKVIA says ‘serious consideration’ should be given to a vape retail license system to aid a tougher enforcement.
Licensing would require retailers to pay for a permit to trade vape products and would help fund an enhanced enforcement programme.
The call comes amid growing concern over a significant rise in the numbers of schoolchildren vaping in Scotland and the ease at which they can buy disposable products online and from local retailers.
UKVIA director general John Dunne said:
“Enough is enough, the industry has a duty of care to young people.
“We need to send a strong message to the minority of rogue retailers and wholesalers who do not care about breaking the law as they know they won’t get severely punished for doing so.
“The time has come to introduce heavy fines to deter rogue retailers from re-offending and putting vape products into the wrong hands.”
John Dunne, Director-General, UKVIA
Dunne said enforcement should apply to all retailers including specialist vape stores and e-commerce sites, convenience stores, supermarkets and online marketplaces.
He said greater enforcement would come at a ‘cost to the industry’ but said it would be a price many would be willing to pay.
Dunne added:
“It is critical for the vaping sector to protect the reputation of the majority in the industry who are in it to help adult smokers quit through vaping which is considerably less harmful than smoking.
“We will be considering all options and ideas to make it as difficult as possible and a significant financial risk, for vape products to be sold to children.”
John Dunne, Director-General, UKVIA
Geek Bar, one of the world’s leading disposable vape manufacturers, welcomed the proposed changes.
Allen Yang, Chief Executive of Geek Bar, said:
“We applaud and fully support the call by the UKVIA.
“The responsible segment of the industry has to lead by example and rid itself of those who are, and will always be, intent on breaking the law by selling vape products to those who are underage.”
Allen Yang, Chief Executive, Geek Bar
