The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has urged MPs not to tar responsible specialist vape retailers with the same brush as rogue traders.
Speaking to the House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Dr Marina Murphy, representing the UKVIA, called for tougher licensing, stronger enforcement and meaningful penalties to tackle illegal operators while recognising the important role responsible vape shops play in supporting adult smokers.
Responding to MPs’ questions about the right mix of businesses on UK high streets, Dr Murphy stressed the importance of distinguishing between the visibility of vaping products and access to them by young people, arguing that preventing underage sales requires effective enforcement of age restrictions, rather than simply imposing additional compliance burdens on responsible retailers.
She reinforced the UKVIA’s call for comprehensive licensing across the entire vaping supply chain, covering retailers and distributors, backed by robust enforcement and proposed fines of up to £10,000 for retailers and £100,000 for distributors involved in illegal sales.
Dr Murphy also highlighted the UKVIA’s proposed definition of a specialist nicotine retailer, designed to distinguish responsible vaping businesses from general retailers where vaping products account for only a small proportion of sales.
Under the proposed definition, specialist retailers would derive at least 90% of sales by value from vaping and nicotine products and associated accessories, employ trained staff, operate strict age-verification procedures, restrict entry to adults aged 18 and over and ensure product displays are not visible from outside their premises.
The UKVIA argues that recognising these businesses as a distinct retail category would allow regulation to be better targeted, protecting children from inappropriate promotion while ensuring adult smokers can continue to access specialist advice and support.
The association also pointed to the scale of the enforcement challenge. Previous UKVIA research involving 17 local authorities identified almost 390,000 illicit or non-compliant vaping products seized, but relatively modest financial penalties imposed on offenders.
Meanwhile, the UKVIA’s Be Vape Vigilant reporting initiative, supported by Trading Standards, has generated more than 1,500 reports of suspected illegal or underage sales, which have been shared with enforcement authorities.
Speaking after giving evidence, Dr Murphy added: “With around 5.5 million adult vapers in Great Britain, including approximately 3.3 million former smokers, it is essential that responsible retailers are recognised for the role they play in helping people stay away from cigarettes.
“Our message is clear - responsible vaping retailers have a legitimate place on Britain’s high streets, but stronger regulation and enforcement are essential to tackle the rogue operators who undermine the sector.”
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