Hundreds of fines issued by Trading Standards as one in five stores in Scotland sell vapes to under-18s

Hundreds of fines have been issued as one in five shops in Scotland sold vapes to under-18s, Trading Standards has revealed.

Officers in Scotland working with volunteers under the age of 18 tested sellers of tobacco and nicotine products.

They found one in seven premises sold cigarettes to underage children, while one in five sold vapes.

Trading Standards said the results are “significantly worse” than expected and could be caused by the “child-appealing” nature of vapes, and their wide availability in shops and service premises.

It comes as latest figures show that one in five Scots aged between 16 and 24 vape.

Last year, officers with young volunteers attempted 662 test purchases of vapes and 251 test purchases of tobacco at premises across Scotland.

There were 131 failures recorded for vapes, and 36 failures for tobacco, where sales were made to under-18s. In total, 263 fixed penalties were issued.

Alex Connell, chair of The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTTS), said smoking is the “greatest threat” to the health and development of young people.

“These results are very concerning and we will be stepping up efforts this year to support sellers with advice and continue to take enforcement action where sellers break the law,” she said.

“NVPs (nicotine vaping products) can be a useful cessation aid for smokers who want to give up smoking, but they are not intended as a lifestyle product for young people.

Bright packaging and sugary flavours are 'appealing' to children, Trading Standards said. — Bright packaging and sugary flavours are ‘appealing’ to children, Trading Standards said. Adobe Stock

“The bright packaging colours and sugary and fruity flavours are child-appealing, and they are too easily available. We would like to see the same display rules applied to NVPs that are applied to tobacco, i.e., they are kept out of sight in stores.”

John Herriman, chief executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, added: “These findings from our colleagues in Scotland are extremely concerning.

“The law is clear: tobacco and vaping products must not be sold to children. Yet far too many retailers are failing in both their legal and moral duty to protect young people from harm.”

Rise in vape users

It comes as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde launched new support in a bid to help users of all ages understand the risks of vaping, as well as how to cut down or quit.

Latest figures show a rise in the number of young people aged between 16 to 24 who vape, rising from 15% in 2022 to 22% in 2023.

Meanwhile the number of adult vapers has risen from 10% to 12% in a 12-month period.

Officials say they are most concerned about the number of people who have never smoked before, who then take up vaping.

Health officials are concerned about the number of people who vape who did not previously smoke. iStock

Dr Emilia Crighton, director of Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “We’re living in an age where trends travel faster than facts and, much like sun beds and energy drinks before them, vapes have been cleverly marketed towards young people as fun and risk-free.

“However, the reality is very different, and users are exposed to harmful and addictive products without full access to or awareness of the associated health risks.

“Our new pack deals in facts, explaining the impact of the harmful chemicals and nicotine found in vapes, and will also help vape users create a plan to start their cut-down or quit journey, by understanding their use, making a plan and sticking to it.

“People need to know the facts so they can make informed choices, and our Vaping Risks and Resources Pack aims to guide them on that journey.”