Scottish government to consult on banning sale of single-use vapes

By Tony Corbin in Industry News 5th September 2023

First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced the Scottish Programme for Government which outlines the legislative priorities for the next parliamentary year.

Announced today (5 September) the programme includes plans to address vaping in Scotland both in terms of use of vaping products by non-smokers and young people and tackling the environmental impact of single-use vapes.

Humza Yousaf told the Scottish Parliament: “I hear too often about how common vaping is among our young people.

“In the next year we will take action to reduce vaping – particularly among children.

“I’m pleased to announce that this government will consult on curbing the sale of disposable single-use vapes, including consulting on an outright ban.”

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome a consultation on preventing young people from accessing vaping products and addressing their environmental impact. The vaping category has grown significantly over the past few years and convenience stores across Scotland are committed to the responsible sale of these products.

“More enforcement action and clearer regulation of the vaping market is needed, but a sweeping ban on single-use vapes would be an overaction to a category that can play a positive role in meeting Scotland’s 2034 tobacco-free targets.”

The Scottish Programme for Government is available here.