Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Local stores call for better regulation on vapes, explains challenges of generational tobacco ban

Local stores call for better regulation on vapes, explains challenges of generational tobacco ban
iStock image
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has responded to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on tobacco and vaping restrictions, highlighting the need for a tighter regulatory framework around the vaping market to prevent youth access and encourage recycling.

The submission outlines ACS’ position on two key areas being looked at by the Government – the introduction of a generational tobacco ban that would make it an offence for anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 to purchase tobacco products; and the consideration of a wide range of interventions in the vaping/e-cigarette market to address concerns about youth access and environmental impact.


On the general tobacco ban, ACS has set out a number of concerns about the practical implications of the policy, including the potential for growth in the illicit tobacco trade as a result, the need for consistent and effective government communication about the ban and the required associated age verification policies for retailers, and the risk of abuse directed at shop workers by people who are being asked for proof of age when attempting to purchase tobacco products.

On the future of the vaping market in the UK, ACS has made it clear that it supports the government’s core objectives to prevent young people from accessing vaping products and to reduce the environmental impact of disposable devices. ACS has called on the government to take an ‘enforcement first’ approach, meaning prioritising more funding for agencies like Trading Standards and not introducing policies that will be difficult to enforce.

The submission states that ACS does not support a ban on disposable vapes, which would create an immediate boom for the illicit market and do little to stop those already trading illegitimately. ACS has called for the government to drastically increase the availability of and education around recycling infrastructure to avoid so called ‘disposable’ vapes being thrown away.

There is also support in the submission for tighter rules on the kinds of packaging and vape flavour descriptors that are available. Any products that directly appeal to children should be banned, but it’s important that a range of flavours remain available to adult consumers, which is a key reason why smokers make the switch from tobacco to vapes.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said, “The government has set out its intention to press ahead with a generational tobacco ban, but it must consider all of the implications and risks to ensure that the retailers and colleagues on the front line of enforcing such a ban are properly equipped to do so. Our members have a proud record of preventing underage sales through the widespread adoption of Challenge25 as an in-store age verification policy, but these rules will require a separate approach that all colleagues will need to be trained to implement.

“The purpose of consulting on the future of vaping should be that we end up with a properly regulated, sustainable and responsible market that continues to help people quit smoking, but that is not accessible to young people. An outright ban on disposable vapes would be a step too far and bolster the dangerous illicit trade, so we must work to ensure that vape recycling, flavours, and proof of age policies are being addressed through targeted regulation and enforcement, delivered by Trading Standards at a local level.”

The full submission is available in the submissions section of the ACS website.

More for you

Two Liverpool shops fined for illegal vape sales
Photo: iStock

Two Liverpool shops fined for illegal vape sales

Two business owners have been slapped with fines after being found selling vapes to children at shops in Liverpool. Sanctions have been handed down to two men who appeared before Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Zahur Chaudhary, of Challoner Grove, was hit with a £250 fine after he was found to have sold a watermelon flavoured Elf Bar vape pen to a person under 18 at AF Newsagents on July 11. Chaudhary was also hit with costs of £250 and a £120 victim surcharge by magistrates.

Keep ReadingShow less
Police officers in Trafalgar Square, London

Police officers in Trafalgar Square, London

Photo: iStock

New Respect Orders to target repeat perpetrators of anti-social behaviour

The government on Friday announced that they will introduce new Respect Orders as part of the Crime and Policing Bill.

The measure, a modernised version of the anti-social behaviour orders that were introduced by the last Labour Government, is aimed at the most serious offenders who plague town centres and neighbourhoods with anti-social behaviour.

Keep ReadingShow less
Exclusive: 'Faulty' pre-Horizon Post Office system led to hundreds of prosecutions

Exclusive: 'Faulty' pre-Horizon Post Office system led to hundreds of prosecutions

Ecco+, another pre-Horizon IT system that was introduced to post masters between 1992 and 1999, was also likely to be faulty due to which hundreds of sub postmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office, a leading sub postmaster representative has said.

Speaking to Asian Trader today (22), Calum Greenhow – Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Sub Postmasters (NFSP) stated that Ecco+ system that was introduced between 1992 and 1999 also created problems for sub post masters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bestway Foundation UK donates £100,000 to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Bestway Foundation UK donates £100,000 to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE SI Pk, Chief Executive of Bestway Group, and Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, presented a cheque for £100,000 to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) at Bestway Group’s Head Office in Park Royal, London last week.

This significant contribution reflects Bestway's ongoing commitment to supporting impactful charitable initiatives that make a difference to the lives of young people across the UK. The presentation was attended by Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Laura Puddefoot-Knaggs, Head of Philanthropy and Clare Harris, Senior Relationships Manager from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and Bestway Board of Directors, including Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, Chairman Bestway Group.

Keep ReadingShow less
GroceryAid: supporting grocery colleagues over the festive season

GroceryAid: supporting grocery colleagues over the festive season

As we head into the busiest time of the year for the grocery industry, GroceryAid is urging people to reach out to them if they find themselves struggling.

The charity helps grocery workers and their families through difficult times and offers a range of financial, emotional and practical support. This includes support for people facing stress, anxiety, low mood or loneliness, as well as debt advice and impartial financial support through GroceryAid’s online financial hub.

Keep ReadingShow less