Convenience store owners in Scotland fear that forcing vaping products behind shutters could further fuel illicit trade.
A consultation into how products are packaged and displayed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act runs until October 2 - with retailers being urged to make their voices heard as part of it.
It seeks views on proposals which could lead to new rules around packaging and flavours, along with where and how products are displayed.
However, prominent members of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) have raised that a retail display ban - equal to tobacco - could have the unintended consequence of increasing black market trade and could be more dangerous for everyone.
Spar operator Ryan Hutchison’s family have run a convenience store in Scone, Perthshire, for almost 70 years.
Speaking about the impact of a display ban and taking the products out of sight, he said: “I think it will push people underground.
“There’s a real risk that they will get vapes which might not be regulated or the right product - as well as the risk that those illicit traders sell to children.
“Placing the products behind shutters can also cause frustrations at the till with customers explaining what they would like to buy.”
Saleem Sadiq, who has run his Spar store in Renfrew for more than 30 years, added: “Illicit trade is already a big problem. Illegal sellers have no scruples.
“A display ban is only going to accelerate the situation we already face.”
SGF is supportive of moves to reduce vaping amongst young people, but is working to ensure that any potential retail display ban does not have unintended consequences for illicit trade, retail crime or the ability for adult cigarette smokers, who wish to quit, to switch to vaping.
It has already met with the Scottish Government to discuss its widespread concerns around the issue of illicit trade as it impacts the convenience store sector.
Pete Cheema, SGF’s chief executive, said: “There is no question that vaping products should not be marketed or sold to children. But government must also recognise the vital role that responsible retailers - including our members - play in preventing under-age sales and delivering effective age-verification measures.
“Regulation must be proportionate, practical, and workable. Proposals to place vaping products behind shutters could make legal products less convenient to buy without reducing underlying demand. Instead, they risk creating opportunities for illicit traders and diverting sales from responsible retailers who operate within the law.
“While the Scottish Government has acknowledged the problem of bogus vape sellers, it has failed to recognise that placing legal products behind shutters could drive more consumers towards the illicit market. Legislation must not create unintended consequences that benefit criminals and undermine responsible retailers. We believe that a retail display ban is a step too far.”
The continuing consultation covers a range of new restrictions on tobacco and vaping products and is being hosted by the UK Government, but the proposals have been developed with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. SGF is also concerned about the tight timetable for changes to be made, adding unnecessary pressure on struggling retailers.
It can be completed at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tobacco-and-vapes-packaging-appearance-and-display
SGF, which will be submitting its own response, has been working on sensible restrictions with policymakers in recent years, as part of its Healthier Choices, Healthier Communities campaign.