Business / Local retailers given advice ahead of ban on sale of single-use vapes
THE SALE of disposable single-use vapes is banned from tomorrow (1 June), with local retailers given advice on the change in law.
They have been warned that there could be penalties if they continue to stock them.
Retailers found in possession of single-use vapes after Sunday may have the products removed by trading standards, and they could face a £200 fine for a first offence.
The sale or supply of single-use devices is ending on 1 June across the entire UK as a measure to protect the environment – with a hope that it will also reduce the number of young people vaping.
Re-useable vapes can still be sold.
The ban applies to sales in shops as well as online, and all disposable vapes regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
A vape, or e-cigarette, is a device that allows people to inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than smoke, without burning tobacco.
The law in Scotland makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to buy e-cigarettes or vapes, but there is concern over their use by younger people, particularly as the vapour can be flavoured.
Shetland Islands Council’s trading standards team have issued guidance to local businesses ahead of the 1 June ban on disposable vapes, including on assessing whether a device is single-use or not.
Team leader David Marsh told Shetland News he is not expecting sellers to have leftover stock come Sunday, “because the entire industry has had plenty of time to get ready for this change”.
However, if they do, they need to follow guidance on removing them – including disposing of them via a registered vape recycling service.
Marsh said in the meantime “there is nothing to stop them from having a one-day sale tomorrow to get rid of it at discounted prices” before midnight tonight (Saturday).
“We are confident that our sellers know about the ban and will have been preparing for this transition, as they all source their products from reputable suppliers and the change has been very well publicised,” he added.
Each financial year the trading standards team visits 20 per cent of tobacco and nicotine vapour products sellers, checking compliance and offering advice and support.
Recent visits have included discussions about preparing for the ban, with more expected in the coming weeks.
Marsh said the team will respond to any information received which could suggest local sellers are not complying.
He encouraged any Shetland News readers aware of any single-use vapes being sold after Sunday to pass information onto trading standards.
People can contact the team on trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or by phone on 01595 744887, and they can remain anonymous if they wish.
It someone is particularly concerned about remaining anonymous they can report in via Crimestoppers Scotland through their website or by phone on 0800 555111.
Meanwhile Public Health Scotland has welcomed the ban.
Dr Garth Reid, a consultant in public health at the organisation, said it was a “positive development for public health”.
“Disposable vapes are cheap, attractive, and widely promoted,” he said.
“They are the most popular product among young people who vape. Many disposable vapes end up in landfill or the incinerator instead of being recycled. This legislation can help tackle both of these crucial issues.”
NHS Shetland’s health improvement team previously said there is “mounting evidence of the adverse health impacts of disposable vaping products”.
This includes the “high levels of nicotine which is highly addictive, and the inhalation of toxic chemicals that have not been tested for inhalation which can damage lung health”.
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