The government has been accused of excluding the views of retailers and trade bodies from its vaping and tobacco consultation. The consultation, which was published late last month, resulted in an outright ban on single-use disposables.

UK and Scottish governments revealed plans to crack down on youth vaping. These include a ban on single-use vapes, restrictions on the sale of other vaping products, and the generational ban on the sale of tobacco products. However, the consultation, available publicly online, stated ministers “have not considered the views” of any organisation or individual that disclosed links to the tobacco industry, when determining their policy response. A total of 307 responses were removed.

‘Not right’

Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) chief executive Pete Cheema described the move as “not right or democratic”. He said: “SGF represents the whole of the Scottish convenience sector. From the smallest city shops to essential rural shops that are lifelines for their communities, yet our views have been entirely ignored.

“It is true that our members sell tobacco products, but that makes their concerns even more valid, whether they are about an increase in illicit trade, more potential for flashpoints when serving customers or the practicalities of delivering these policies in store.”

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Consultation

“Ministers received 28,000 responses to their consultation, which were analysed at breakneck speed, yet the views of SGF and many Scottish retailers have been expunged from the records,” Cheema continued.

“What is even more galling is that SGF put forward a considered and balanced view on behalf of all its members to work constructively and deliver the best outcome for retailers and the communities they serve.”

Although no formal announcement has been made on timings, the plans are expected to come into force later this year, or in early 2025.

For more response and reaction to the government’s new vaping rules, read the latest edition of Retail Express