E-cig brand calls for Scottish vape shops to be licensed amid spate of fires
ELFBAR is urging the Scottish Government to implement a compulsory licensing scheme for vape shops to eliminate rogue traders.Summary
Following more than 40 vape-related fires in Scotland over the last five years, including a devastating blaze on Glasgow's Union Street caused by an unregulated shop, the e-cigarette brand ELFBAR is calling for a compulsory licensing scheme. Eve Peters, director of government affairs for ELFBAR, proposes that vape shops be licensed similarly to alcohol retailers, granting local councils the power to revoke licenses and shut down rogue traders. The proposal suggests that licensing fees and fines of up to £2,500 would fund enforcement, ensuring shops sell legal products and dispose of waste safely.
This call for stronger regulation is supported by the UK Vaping Industry Association and the Scottish Grocers Federation, with the latter noting that illicit trade is impacting communities and some shops are allegedly used as fronts for organized crime. While the Scottish Government maintains that the current mandatory Register of Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Retailers allows for enforcement, they have stated they are open to considering improvements to the register.
(Source：Glasgowlive Co Uk)
