Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

UKVIA calls on Scottish government to revisit vaping consultation

UKVIA calls on Scottish government to revisit vaping consultation
iStock image
Getty Images

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has called on the Scottish government to go back to the drawing table with its proposal to tighten advertising restrictions on vaping.

The call comes following the recent publication of the outcomes of the government’s consultation on the idea of tightening rules on the advertising and promotion of vaping products.


The feedback from the consultation, which involved the input of individuals, local authorities, public health organisations and the vaping community, shows that there is no majority of support for the recommendations put forward by the government, instead dividing opinions and leaving more questions than answers on the future of vaping regulations.

The UKVIA reminded its warning that the proposals could derail the country’s 2034 smoke free ambitions and that its stance is “in denial of the facts”, creating a significant risk to the health of people of Scotland looking to quit smoking, as well as more uncertainty around vaping caused by misinformation.

“The proposals that were put forward only sought to further conflate vaping with combustible tobacco products by aligning advertising and promotion rules to existing restrictions on tobacco products,” John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, said.

“Following the feedback, we hope that the Scottish government sees sense and goes back to the drawing board on their proposals, listens to the experts and speaks to the millions of adults no longer smoking.”

iStock 1141292456 iStock image

Many proposals put forward by the government generated 50:50 responses and a number resulted in more respondents disagreeing than agreeing with them. These included proposals to ban in-store promotional displays, to make free distribution and nominal pricing of vaping products an offence and to make sponsorship agreements in respect to vaping products an offence.

A higher proportion of respondents fed back that the proposed policy by the Scottish government to tighten advertising and promotional rules for vaping would have a negative impact on individuals (50.5% who felt it would, versus 36.9% who didn’t) and on those with socio-economic disadvantages (48.6% versus 25.5%).

“Only by working with others, following the evidence and listening to people's testimonies can we succeed in the goal of tobacco harm reduction. Following the consultation, we now have a situation where the industry, smokers and vapers are unclear on the future of vaping in Scotland,” Dunne noted.

“It is pleasing to see that when delving deep into the responses, individuals and groups offered strong rebuttals to the more than not illogical and counterproductive recommendations. In its current drafting, these proposals are deeply ill-advised risking the public health potential of vaping.”

Earlier, in its response to the consultation outcomes, the Scottish Grocer’s Federation has also stated that the government’s move was unjustified and failed to appreciate the potential benefits of vaping products.

Dunne continued: “It is widely understood that each region of the UK is set to fall short of their respective smokefree targets. It is therefore critical that, as a devolved issue, health and the methods adopted to support tobacco harm reduction are consistent and embrace the range of alternative products.

“The UKVIA is committed and ready to ensure that the sector is leading the charge, championing best practice and safeguarding future generations. As ever, as an association and industry we stand ready and willing to ensure that fair and proportionate regulations are in place. Regulations that protect consumers, whilst allowing the vaping industry to continue to support adult smokers in their smokefree journeys.”

More for you

Budget 2024: Local shops to face significant new pressure

(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Budget 2024: Local shops to face significant new pressure

Local shops will face significant new pressures as a result of today’s Budget, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has warned.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget's impact will be felt unevenly across the UK’s 50,000 convenience stores, with some measures such as business rate relief and the increased employment allowance mitigating costs for smaller independent stores, while providing no help for chains and larger independent businesses.

Keep ReadingShow less
Post Office cash deposits and withdrawals
Post Office, DPD partners to rollout ‘Click and Collect’ services
Post Office, DPD partners to rollout ‘Click and Collect’ services

Parliament to launch inquiry into Post Office Horizon scandal compensation delays

Parliament is to launch an inquiry into delays in compensation settlements for sub postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal.

The newly-formed Business and Trade Select Committee will call ministers, subpostmasters and their lawyers to give evidence next week with a second session to follow in mid-November. The Committee’s chair, Liam Byrne MP told ITV News that there was “definitely a delay” in people coming forward for payment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bacup Wine and Convenience shop, 34 Burnley Road, Bacup.

Bacup Wine and Convenience shop, 34 Burnley Road, Bacup.

Robbie MacDonald via LDRS

Shop’s licence bid rejected over illegal vapes and ‘no regard’ for children’s safety

A Rossendale shop has had a licence bid rejected after repeatedly selling vapes to children and having illegal products on its premises.

Management at the Ibra Superstore at 34 Burnley Road, Bacup, have shown ‘no regard’ for children’s protection and safety, and have insufficient controls for licensing, Rossendale councillors have ruled.

Keep ReadingShow less
SPAR retailer hits target to secure £100,000 free stock from James Hall

SPAR retailer hits target to secure £100,000 free stock from James Hall

SPAR North of England retailer Dara Singh Randhawa’s family store has been awarded £100,000 of free stock after hitting all his targets since moving to the symbol.

Dara and his family, who have their SPAR store in Patrington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, joined SPAR through its association with James Hall & Co. Ltd in August 2023 having taken the decision to maximise the store’s potential.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pound Sterling bank notes
iStock

National Living Wage to increase to £12.21 in April 2025

The government has on Wednesday announced its acceptance of the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations on the rates of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), including the National Living Wage (NLW).

The rates which will apply from 1 April 2025 are as follows:

Keep ReadingShow less