UK Survey: 30% of Retailers Still Face Daily Customer Requests for Disposable E-Cigarettes

Key points:

·After the ban on disposable e-cigarettes came into effect in Scotland, nearly 30% of retailers are still being asked by customers to purchase disposable e-cigarettes. 

·The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) is urging its members to ensure their stock complies with the new regulations, as concerns continue about the ban on e-cigarettes leading to an increase in illegal trading.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from the vape business on August 4th, a recent survey conducted by the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has shown that nearly 30% of retailers are still regularly requested by customers to sell disposable e-cigarette products. The survey results revealed that over 31% of respondents stated that their employees are requested to provide disposable e-cigarettes at least once a day, while 18% said they encounter this situation at least once a week.

Retailers are increasingly concerned about the design of various new compliant e-cigarette products on the market since the ban. SGF is urging members to repeatedly check their inventory to ensure compliance with new legal requirements in order to avoid any unexpected issues with law enforcement or trading standards authorities.

The Head of Policy and Public Affairs at SGF, Luke McGarty, stated:

“Before the ban was implemented, we were concerned about the lack of awareness among the public regarding the conversion of refillable and rechargeable e-cigarette products. While the vast majority of products will comply with the new regulations, it is difficult to judge solely based on appearance. It is apparent that the public is not yet aware that the ban on disposable e-cigarette products is now in effect. Retailers have taken on the responsibility of explaining the new regulations to customers, and we urge members to carefully check all inventory to ensure it meets the standards of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA).”

Although convenience stores in Scotland have extensive experience in handling restricted items such as alcohol and tobacco, with mature inspection mechanisms like cashier prompts and refusal registers, they lack confidence in whether other retail outlets are following the new rules.

At the time the ban took effect, SGF expressed concerns that this change could lead to an increase in illegal trade, and encouraged the public to report any information or signs of illegal sales they may have to local regulatory authorities.