Shopkeepers’ leaders urge people not to buy from black market and pass on details of illicit sellers to police and trading standards
Edinburgh residents are being urged to help shut down supplies of illegal vapes across the region. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has issued a plea for people who use vaping products not to buy from illicit sellers.
And the city-headquartered convenience store trade body, which represents retailers in Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians, is urging people to share details of those who they suspect are selling goods illegally to pass on concerns to trading standards, police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Single-use vapes became outlawed across the United Kingdom on June 1. All stock needed to be immediately removed from shop shelves.
SGF President Graham Watson, himself a community convenience store owner, said: “As an organisation, we have significant concerns that an unintended consequence of the ban will be an increase in the illegal sale of vaping products.
“It is harmful in so many ways for illegal and unregulated products to be circulating.
“Our members work incredibly hard to champion responsible community retailing, within the law. Illicit supplies undermine the great work they do.
“With all of that in mind, we are asking people not to buy from illicit sellers and to share any information they have with those responsible for them to the authorities. If they do not have the information, they cannot act against them.”
SGF has issued a special guide to advise its members how to stay on the right side of the new law.
It also encourages members to follow Challenge 25 policies to avoid the risk of illegal sales. The guidance to retailers from SGF is available here.
Information about illicit trade can be passed to Police Scotland by calling 101. Details can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.