The vaping market has experienced significant growth over the last few years, and convenience retailers have responded by implementing age verification policies such as Challenge25. This responsible approach to selling vaping products cannot be overstated, and further resources are welcome to tackle the issue of underage vaping. The proposed ban on giving free vapes to children is also a positive step in the right direction. Such practices are not seen in our sector, nor should they be deemed legal.
As a leading authority on responsible retailing, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has been working closely with Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards to develop comprehensive guidelines on the proper sale of vaping products. It encourages retailers to use policies like Challenge25, which are already in place for other age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
The Fed, a respected trade organization, also welcomes the government review into the sale of nicotine-free vapes to under-18s. However, its president, Jason Birks, believes that trading standards require greater financial support to effectively stamp out illicit vaping and tobacco sales. Rogue shopkeepers who sell vaping products to under-18s are still present in the market and must be addressed as part of the wider issue of underage vaping.
While supportive of the government’s stance on regulating the vaping epidemic among youngsters, the Fed firmly believes that regulatory authorities need more substantial funding to counter the illicit trade. The funding allocated since The Khan Review in 2022 has fallen short, which is why the Fed urges the government to increase funding and to empower enforcement agencies with more authority to issue on-the-spot fines.
The Fed hopes that these measures will reduce the levels of vaping amongst youth, assure consumers that retailers are trading responsibly, and better aid trading standards in cracking down on the illicit market.
