Indie retailers call for age-verification tech in vapes to tackle rising shop crime

A group of 30 leading independent retailers has called for age-verification technology to be built into vaping devices in a bid to tackle youth access and rising shop crime. 

In a letter written to the government, the group urged an amendment to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, suggesting age-verification technology in vapes would “significantly strengthen” the legislation and “ease the burden on responsible retailers”.

“As retailers serving communities across the UK, we support the government’s ambition to reduce youth vaping”, the letter said.

“We believe that a ‘triple lock’ effect of manufacturer technology, retailer vigilance, and point of use age verification within vapes would not only help in eliminating youth use but would also help resolve the challenges we face in anti-social behaviour and verbal and physical abuse on staff.”

In the letter, retailers warned that refusing underage sales often sparks confrontations with young people, creating an “intimidating environment for other customers” and risking the reputation of long-established family businesses.

The letter also highlighted the growing problem of shop theft targeting vaping products, which creates additional security challenges and costs.

Retailer Atul Sodha of Londis Harefield, who drafted the letter, told Convenience Store: “For too long the onus has been on the retailer to verify age. Whilst we do our best, we need to belt and brace approach. Technology will give us this. Government needs to listen to us and help.”

According to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), crime cost the sector an estimated £316m last year, with retailers spending more than £265m on crime prevention and detection measures.

Combined, these figures amount to a 10p ‘crime tax’ on every transaction in a convenience store, the trade body worked out.

The Bill’s current approach to packaging, flavour and display restrictions “would not fully address how young people access these products”, retailers explained in the letter. “Determined young people will still find ways to access vaping products through proxy purchases and the illicit market,” it said.

Introducing age-verification on vapes would eliminate the incentive for underage purchase attempts, reduce confrontational situations with staff and create a safer environment for colleagues and customers, said the letter.

The tech would also help reduce theft of vaping products, cut security costs and ease pressure on staff, added the letter.

The letter continued: “To protect vulnerable customers, retailers could still sell pre-unlocked devices to customers who appear over-25.

“As our proposed changes to the Bill would give the Secretary of State the power to enact these regulations however they see fit, this technology can be introduced in a way that guarantees there is no friction created for vulnerable groups or those wishing to quit smoking from using vapes as a cessation tool.

“It is a solution that directly supports public health, enforcement, and the viability of responsible retail. And it does this without increasing costs for consumers.

“We urge you to consider this proposal as a meaningful addition to the Bill and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how this solution can support the Government’s aims while easing the pressures on retailers like us.”

The letter was sent to health secretary, Wes Streeting, public health minister, Ashley Dalton, small business minister, Blair McDougall, and crime and policing minister, Sarah Jones.