Public Supports Harsher Penalties for Selling E-Cigarettes to Children

According to The Grocer's report on January 6th, a survey commissioned by British American Tobacco (BAT) showed that the British public supports tougher penalties for retailers found selling e-cigarettes to children than those proposed by the government.

The British government is planning to introduce a fixed penalty notice of £200 in England and Wales, allowing Trading Standards officials to issue on-the-spot fines to retailers selling e-cigarettes to minors. A survey conducted by BAT's "Britain in Focus" study between November 20th and 26th, 2024, interviewed 5,948 people, with results showing that over half of respondents believed the penalty was "too lenient," and nearly two-thirds thought the maximum fine was "too low.

BAT's UK and Western Europe manager, Asli Ertonguc, stated that...

The outcome is clear. The public evidently believes that the existing proposals do not have strong enough penalties to protect minors. We need to have an open discussion on appropriate regulation and enforcement while also maintaining e-cigarettes as a key tool to help the UK achieve its 2030 smoke-free goal.

The British government's Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill also includes initial proposals for a retail licensing system, which has received widespread support among respondents. Specific details of the plan have not yet been released, including implementation timeline and penalties for violations of the license.

Approximately 67% of the respondents support the "three strikes and you're out" rule, which would permanently revoke the license of retailers who violate the rules three times.

Asli Ertonguc stated,

Establishing a retail licensing system is a step in the right direction, but without increased fines and stricter punishments, unethical retailers will continue to break the law. In order for e-cigarette licenses to be effective, retailers must know that they will lose it if they abuse it.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) believes that the licensing system was proposed without any consultation with the retailers most affected, and that it may include measures that limit the number of licensed businesses in specific areas.

The CEO of the association, James Lowman, stated at the end of 2024, "The licensing system has the potential to help combat the illegal market and punish those who sell products to children, but if not structured properly, it could also hinder legitimate businesses, especially in other crowded areas or specific locations. We need to engage in detailed consultations with local businesses and other stakeholders, but none of this has happened yet.

The e-cigarette industry strongly opposes the potential flavor ban. The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) stated, "A flavor ban could have a negative impact on those trying to quit smoking." The association cited a study by OnePoll which found that one-third of e-cigarette users said a flavor ban "would make them go back to smoking," and approximately 83% of surveyed e-cigarette users said flavors helped them quit smoking.