THE Federation of Independent Retailers has warned that a ban on disposable vapes would not reduce littering and would instead fuel the black market.
Local authorities across Scotland have called on the Scottish Government to ban the sale of the products, whilst the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, has called on the UK Government to ban the sale and manufacture of vapes by 2024.
Responding to the calls, Federation of Independent Retailers national president, Muntazir Dipoti, said, “A ban on single-use vapes may, at first, seem like a straightforward, effective way of addressing underage vaping and litter. However, like the anti-smoking organisation ASH, we believe a ban would risk ‘turbo-charging’ an already booming illicit market.
“Vapes help many give up smoking and are part of life now. If we ban them the black market will become even more active. History suggests it would be optimistic in the extreme to think that prohibition stops people getting hold of products.”
