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shops Licenses to be required to sell vapes as part of crackdown on rogue traders to protect children Government has announced.
For the first time, shops will be required to be licensed to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products in a bid to “root out” rogue operators, giving enforcement officers stronger powers to shut them down and protect legitimate retailers.
Currently, any business can sell tobacco or vapes without a license, which has allowed rogue traders to sell illegal products on the high street, often targeting children with cheap, colorful vapes sold alongside sweets and toys.
The motion is part of a call for evidence to develop rules for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to protect children and young people from addiction.
The government is also seeking views from experts on the flavour, nicotine strength and appearance of vapes as part of a range of measures to tackle youth vaping.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock Said: “Our aim is to close a huge gap in the law – which would require shops to hold a license to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
“Our new proposals will better protect children by rooting out rogue retailers blighting our streets and helping adults know which shops are selling legitimate products.
“We want expert opinion about how we can develop the strongest possible rules to protect our children as part of our transition plan, while also ensuring adult smokers can still use vapes to quit smoking.”
Under the plans, only “responsible” businesses will be allowed to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products, with rule breakers facing unlimited fines or a £2,500 on-the-spot penalty.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament, would also ban the advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products, and provide powers to regulate flavour, packaging, and how and where vapes and nicotine products are displayed in stores.
A separate consultation on introducing smoke-free and vape-free spaces, banning vape packaging and changing how and where they are displayed in stores will be carried out next year.
Hazel Cheesman, chief executive of the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is world-leading legislation that has the potential to dramatically change the way tobacco and vapes are sold – delivering a smoke-free generation, getting us closer to a smoke-free country and protecting children from vaping.
“It is important to ensure that the regulations are shaped based on the best available evidence to ensure the bill has the intended impact.”
The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) said it welcomed the call for evidence.
Gillian Golden, chief executive of the IBVTA, said: “Policies made to regulate vaping must be based on evidence rather than public opinion, which is often manufactured by the media and political hysteria.
“We therefore welcome this call for evidence published today. vaping It remains the UK’s most successful and most popular way for adults to quit smoking.
“This public health opportunity must be protected while combating trafficking and illegal underage selling.”
Wendy Taylor, chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee of the Local Government Association (LGA), said: “Councils have long supported the introduction of a comprehensive licensing regime for all tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes.
“A well-designed licensing system will provide councils with the tools they need to better regulate sales, protect young people and support enforcement, without placing unnecessary burdens on responsible retailers.
“The LGA Currently working closely with key partners to fully understand the implications of the national licensing scheme and ensure it is practical, enforceable and aligned with local priorities. Above all, it must be properly funded.