British American Tobacco (BAT) has called for tougher regulations for vape sellers.
BAT called for a licensing scheme for vape retailers, with the punishment for underage sales being the license taken away, similar to that for alcohol and tobacco products.
It also called for a ban on flavours that are targeted at younger people as well as cartoon imagery on packs. The tobacco company also suggested a mandatory testing programme for products shipped to the UK to ensure they are compliant with UK regulations before they can be sold.
“We recognise that some want single use vapes banned altogether, but we are concerned such a move would lead to unregulated sales, and less options for adult smokers looking to switch,” said Asli Ertonguc, BAT area director for Western Europe. “Governments should wield their enforcement powers to help re-build confidence in vaping by ensuring adult consumers can buy legitimate products, and suitably penalising those who fail to comply.”
The government has an open consultation on the issue, with 6 December the deadline for submissions. Some of the suggestions put forward include a ban on disposable vapes and taking the product off the shop floor. The consultation can be read here.
“With the consultation period on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill about to close we have a narrow window to get this right,” she added. “And it begins with having honest conversations about the appropriate regulation that offers smokers wanting to switch the freedom to choose alternatives to cigarettes.”
The Scottish government also proposed raising the age of sale of vapes to curb youth usage.
A recent roundtable focusing on responsible retailing, hosted by Convenience Store, found that store owners are largely in favour of licensing and believe it to be a necessary tool to counteract underage sales and the illicit trade. The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has also called for £10,000 fines for retailers who break the legislation.
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