Scots Shopkeepers Seek to Stamp Out Illegal Vape Products
Amid growing concerns over the sale of illegal vape products, Scottish shopkeepers are raising their voices, calling for stricter measures to curb the rising black market. With the introduction of a ban on disposable vapes in June 2025, shop owners have observed a stark increase in illicit trade, contradicting the intention of the legislation.
Guna Sud, who manages the Premier RaceTrack Pitstop and received the Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year award in 2025, emphasized a troubling trend: “Regulation and illicit trade are almost going hand-in-hand. Unless more is done about that, it’s just going to keep growing.” According to Sud, the illicit market, which was already prevalent before the ban, has surged exponentially since its implementation.
Similarly, Mohammed Rajak, a Day-Today store owner in Glasgow for over three decades, voiced his frustrations, highlighting that the illegal trade has become a significant challenge for compliant retailers like himself. He lamented, “Illicit trade is getting more and more of a headache for retailers like me who comply with the regulations. Unfortunately, not enough rogue traders are being caught by trading standards. That’s because these teams are overwhelmed and under-resourced.”
Rajak further stressed the risks posed by unregulated sellers, particularly their potential to supply minors. “The point of the ban was to take away single-use vapes and make them inaccessible to the age group it was not intended for,” he noted, expressing deep concern over the ongoing issue.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has raised alarms about the future ramifications of this burgeoning illicit market. Their members fear that without decisive action, not only will the viability of compliant stores be threatened, but public health will also suffer. The SGF strongly advocates for government investment aimed at tackling illegal sales, especially those targeting underage consumers. They are keen for regulators to heed the concerns of shopkeepers while developing new laws.
In feedback surveys conducted by the SGF, a striking 75% of participants acknowledged that the recently enacted ban on disposable vapes has inadvertently stimulated the illicit market. Many store owners indicated that potential further regulations, including flavor restrictions and increased costs, could exacerbate this challenge. Such measures are currently under consideration as part of the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Luke McGarty, head of policy and public affairs at the SGF, underscored the gravity of the situation. “There’s a growing issue of criminal gangs getting involved in black market activity, profiteering from illicit vaping products,” he stated. “We need to ensure that future restrictions—particularly those around vape flavors and store placement—do not make the situation worse.” McGarty advocates for a balanced approach that safeguards adult vapers while protecting vulnerable populations from access to these products.
