Retailers in Scotland will soon have to comply with new laws governing the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) to minors after the Scottish Parliament passed the Health (tobacco, nicotine and care) Bill.

The new rules, which are already in operation South of the border, mean that e-cigs will become age restricted, retailers will be required to have age verification policies in place for e-cigs and proxy purchasing will become an offence. 

The provisions are likely to come into force towards the end of 2016. 

The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) said the move was ill timed. Head of public affairs John Lee said: “Whilst we have been supportive of most of the measure contained in the Bill it means that retailers will have yet more legislation to comply with in 2016.

“We are working with the Scottish government to firm up on the exact timeframe for implementation of the measures in the Bill, some of which will require secondary legislation. We will also issue guidance to our members to enable them to comply and continue to sell tobacco and other products responsibly.” 

The SGF has already issued comprehensive guidance to it members on standardised packaging and the EUTPD.