The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has welcomed the news that the Government has included powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It says: “This represents a victory for law abiding vape businesses who have been campaigning for years for such regulation to stop rogue traders in their tracks from selling to minors and establishing a lucrative black market.”
UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “We have been consistently calling on successive governments to introduce a robust and effective industry licensing scheme, backed up by fines of at least £10,000 for retailers and £100,000 for distributors who trade illegally when it comes to underage and illicit vape sales. The scheme we have developed and recommended is designed to generate upwards of £50m per year to support a highly resourced national Trading Standards enforcement programme.
“It is not clear whether the government will include vape distributors in their plans, but we are clear that any scheme must do so to be successful. The fines of £200 announced need to be much higher if they are going to make rogue traders think twice about breaking the law.
“However, I am delighted that vape licensing is now firmly on the policy agenda, so that youth and illicit vaping can successfully be tackled and the complete focus of the category can once more return to helping adult smokers quit. We stand ready to work closely with the government to ensure such a scheme is fit for purpose.”
Earlier this year the vaping industry unveiled a framework for a licensing scheme following extensive consultation with leading figures representing the retail industry, trade bodies, regulators and consumer groups.
Currently, no system exists for the vaping industry in the UK meaning that in addition to specialist vape stores, convenience shops and supermarkets, anyone has free rein to sell vapes including off licences, takeaways and sweet shops. It also means those retailers and distributors who wrongfully sell vapes to minors and stock illicit goods can more easily stay under the radar of regulators and Trading Standards.
As regards the creation of new government powers to restrict flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes, Dunne added: “We will want to understand the detail of these powers as it is imperative that the new government establishes a balanced approach to vaping policy which safeguards against the very real challenges of youth vaping and illicit products, while preserving and promoting vaping as the most successful stop smoking tool available for adults.
“In particular, the government needs to take on board the critical role that flavours play in the appeal and success of vaping as a harm reduction tool. Therefore, there is a need to put the focus on restricting inappropriate flavour names, not flavours.
Dunne concluded: “We believe that the best way to address youth vaping and the black market, and not penalise adult smokers who want to quit using vapes is through a licensing scheme.”
See DHSC press release: Smoking ban introduced to protect children and most vulnerable
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