Scottish retailers are demanding tougher action to tackle the growing black market selling illegal vapes.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) said the problem had escalated since the disposable vape ban came into force in June last year, with organised crime groups increasingly exploiting regulations.
It warned illicit trade was depriving the public of millions of pounds in tax revenue, which was damaging the future of local stores and creating health and safety risks for minors.
SGF is calling for greater investment in tackling illegal sales and has cautioned that new rules under the incoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill must be “carefully created” to minimise unintended consequences.
It said the proposed restrictions around vape flavours and in-store placement risked driving illicit trade further.
“There’s a growing issue of criminal gangs getting involved in black market activity, profiteering from illicit vaping products,” said SGF head of policy and public affairs Luke McGarty.
“There are no assurances about the safety of these – and they are getting into the hands of people they shouldn’t. This is harmful to businesses, communities and potentially the health of those buying vaping products illegally.
“Trading Standards officers work hard. But greater investment is needed to give them the resources to track down those responsible for illicit sales and bring them to justice.
“Illegal tobacco sales already cost HM Revenue & Customs about £2.8bn. With the black market for single-use vapes that total’s surely going to soar.”
SGF said three-quarters of its members believed the disposable vape ban had encouraged the sale and purchase of illicit vaping products, and the problem was worsening wider crime pressures on the convenience sector.
The trade body estimates retail crime costs local shops in Scotland around £100m a year, or £19,500 per store on average.
Guna Sud, whose family operates the RaceTrack convenience stores in Glasgow, said: “Regulation and illicit trade are almost going hand-in-hand.
“Unless more is done about that, it’s just going to keep growing. Illicit trade was there before the ban and, from what we can see. it’s 10 times stronger after it.”
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