The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has warned that illicit sales represents “one of the biggest threats” to stores.
SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema appealed for stronger enforcement when it comes to the illicit trade. “Illegal, irresponsible sales are yet another challenge for our sector to overcome,” he said. “Unless enforcement agencies come down hard on the damage caused by illicit trade, we risk losing convenience stores, which are essential parts of communities.
“We have serious concerns that criminals will look to profit from the disposable vapes ban, delivering a significant blow to responsible community retailers working tirelessly to support their customers within the law.”
This warning comes just after the sale of disposable vapes became illegal, however there are concerns that it will push people towards the illicit trade.
Cheema added: “We need to do everything we can to stop the sales of cheap and unregulated products. The vast majority of retailers have robust measures to prevent underage sales such as Challenge 25, refusal registers and till prompts. Those trading on the black market are clearly not interested in the law or whether vaping products get into the hands of those who are underage.
“Failing to tackle this issue is not good for communities, the environment or the economy. The critical role that convenience stores play in the communities they serve can often be overlooked. Illicit trade poses a direct threat to their viability.”
The SGF said that retailers are already struggling due to rising crime. Its research found estimates that theft and vandalism already costs the country’s convenience stores a total of £104m-a-year, an average of £19,600-a-store.
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