Retailers urged to have their say on vape packaging and hidden displays as consultation nears end
UK retailers are urged to respond to a government consultation on vape packaging and in-store display before it closes on October 2, 2026.Summary
The UK government's second consultation on vaping regulations, stemming from the Tobacco and Vapes Act that became law in April 2026, ends at 11:59pm on October 2, 2026. It seeks views on vape packaging and in-store displays, with a strong possibility that vapes will be required to be hidden from view like tobacco products. Retailers are being urged to participate to influence the final rules. Deirdre Healy, head of legal & corporate affairs at Imperial Brands, warns that hidden display rules would force retailers to invest in new fixtures and alter store layouts. She also notes that plain packaging could increase transaction times due to difficulty distinguishing products. Dr Marina Murphy of Haypp cautions that vape stores would need to redesign and refit their premises, replacing open displays with enclosed storage, fundamentally changing their operations.
(Source：Forecourt Trader)
