It’s time for a robust licensing system for tobacco and vapes

January 2, 2025
Health

Vaping and tobacco are bad for our health and our communities.

It is time for the Scottish Government to introduce a robust licensing system for vapes as part of its plans to regulate this harmful industry, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay has said.

Currently, there is no licensing system for retailers to sell tobacco and vaping products, with retailers simply having to register on a register.

Unlike acquiring a license to sell alcohol, there are currently no registration fees and little incentive to follow the rules, especially when it comes to vapes. This is part of the reason we’ve seen vape sales in random places like barbershops and phone stores.

Ms Mackay is calling for a system more similar to that of alcohol sales, which would give councils the ability to refuse licenses and have stronger repercussions for those who break the rules.

Currently, fines are only fixed fines with a much lower limit. There is a mechanism for banning the sale of nicotine products, but this ban can only last for a maximum of 12 months.

Mrs Mackay said:

“The tobacco and vaping industries cause enormous damage to the health of people in Scotland and beyond, yet they remain poorly regulated.

“A robust licensing system can tip the scales and ensure we take action to put health ahead of profits in an industry that too often targets young people and encourages addictive and harmful behavior.

“Local authorities should have the power to refuse licenses and introduce appropriate consequences, including removing a license for retailers who flout the rules.

“The upcoming ban on disposable vapes will be a very important step for public health and for our communities. But we also need retailers to play their part by making their license conditional on the provision of recycling points and services.

“If registration fees were set at a rate that would more than cover the costs of administering the scheme, it could also generate vital income for councils to support the services we all rely on. »