Nearly a third of Scottish retailers continue to receive requests for single-use vapes at least once a day, despite the ban that came into force over two months ago.
According to a new survey from the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF), 18% of stores reported being asked at least once a week.
Retailers voiced concerns over product identification due to the variety of new compliant vape products entering the market since the ban.
The SGF has urged its members to ensure stock complies with the new legal requirements to avoid any unintended issues with police or trading standards.
The trade body also raised concerns over the rise in illicit trade. It encouraged members of the public to pass any information or suspicions they have about illegal sales to trading standards officers in their region.
Luke McGarthy, head of policy and public affairs at the SGF, commented: “It’s clear that many members of the public do not realise that the ban on disposable vaping products is now in force. So, it’s unfortunate that retailers have been left with the job of explaining to customers the new rules, and we are urging our members to double check that all their stock is compliant with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MRHA).
“Convenience stores in Scotland have worked hard to ‘bake-in’ compliance across the sector, ensuring that the right type of refills are available and that recycling takeback is available for different parts of the product. But the task is made more difficult by a lack of compliance across some other vape sellers.”
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