Scottish convenience retailers are calling for tougher enforcement to combat what they describe as a deepening black market in illegal vapes, warning that poorly designed regulations could worsen the problem, according to Convenience Store. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) said illicit vape sales are depriving the public purse of millions of pounds in lost tax revenue, undermining compliant local stores, and posing health risks due to unregulated products. As the UK Government’s Tobacco & Vapes Bill advances and Scotland prepares secondary legislation, SGF urged policymakers to consult retailers closely and invest more in trading standards enforcement to prevent unintended criminal opportunities, particularly around flavor restrictions and product placement rules.
SGF head of policy and public affairs Luke McGarty said organized criminal gangs are increasingly involved in the illicit vape trade, with products often sold to underage consumers and without any safety assurances. He warned that illegal tobacco already costs HM Revenue and Customs an estimated £2.8 billion annually, a figure likely to rise sharply as the illegal vape market expands. Retailers reported that illicit activity has intensified following the disposable vape ban, with three-quarters of SGF members saying the restriction has encouraged illegal sales. Store owners and the federation stressed that without stronger enforcement and carefully calibrated rules, further regulation risks accelerating illicit trade, increasing crime and abuse against retail staff, and undermining public health objectives, including smoking cessation.