It is estimated that illicit vapes make up more than a third of the total vaping market – but you can help fight back and protect your business by anonymously reporting any activity you are aware of in your area.
As the government considers new vape legislation, which could see the sale of disposable vapes restricted over fears around their popularity with under-18s, new research reveals a staggering lack of regulatory enforcement is being taken against rogue vape traders selling single-use devices.
Data gathered through Freedom of Information requests show that across 11 major provincial UK cities with a combined population of more than 5.5 million people, just 21 successful prosecutions have been made against retailers for underage/illicit sales between 2021 and early 2023.
A new study from Arcus Compliance has uncovered a shocking lack of regulatory enforcement:
- only 21 prosecutions for illicit vape trading in 11 major UK cities between 2021 and early 2023;
- less than £2,500 in penalties;
- 10 of 21 Local Authorities reported zero successful prosecutions.
The total amount of fines given out across these cities was less than £2,500. To put that in context, it’s less than the current maximum fine that can be issued to just one offender at £2,500 – and is considerably less than the £10,000 on-the-spot fines that much of the sector has been asking the government for.
The research comes after the Prime Minister put forward plans for a generational smoking ban and the government announced new investment of £30m for illicit tobacco and vape products enforcement functions.
There is, however, something that retailers themselves can do to help tackle this problem and protect their own businesses. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is working in partnership with industry partners, Crimestoppers and FACT, the UK’s leading brand and content protection organisation, to make it easier than ever to report any illicit vaping activity you are aware of – and ensure that the information gathered will help drive real action on the ground.
When reporting illicit activity, it will be useful to include information on the types of product being sold, how you know they are illicit, who is selling them and where they are being sold.
SGF Chief Executive Pete Cheema commented: “Illicit vaping is a scourge of our industry and a massive threat to legitimate retailers. The lack of regulatory enforcement is unacceptable and SGF is working with the Scottish and UK Governments to urgently address this issue. In the meantime, however, I would urge all retailers to use the reporting service to help us clamp down on the illicit market that is harming their businesses on a daily basis. Please be assured that information provided will be taken seriously and will drive positive action on the ground. It is vital that retailers play their part and help us help them.”
