Gillian McKay, a Scottish Green Party MSP, has proposed the introduction of a licensing system for the sale of vapes, giving local authorities the right to allow or refuse to sell licenses and allowing offenders to have their licenses revoked.
UK Scottish Greens proposal: local authorities to be given license to sell vapes
According to the Inverness Courier reported on January 1. The Scottish Green Party’s health spokeswoman, Gillian Mackay, called on the government to introduce a “robust” vape licensing system as part of plans to regulate the industry.
E-cigarette violations can result in license revocation
The councilor urged the government to introduce a scheme that would give city councils the power to approve or reject license applications for premises selling vape products. The UK government is already considering a bill that, if passed, would restrict flavored vape flavors and review vape packaging to make it less attractive to children and young people.
The bill also includes a complete ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, including displays that children and young adults can see, bringing it in line with current restrictions on cigarettes.
Gillian McKay said local authorities should have the power to refuse to issue licenses and take appropriate punitive action against retailers who breach the rules, including revoking their licenses.
McKay said Scotland needed a strong licensing regime to protect people’s health and put it ahead of the interests of the cigarette and vape industry. She also said the upcoming single-use vape ban would be an important milestone for public health and the community. By linking the licensing system to the provision of recycling points and services, if registration fees are set to not only cover program administration costs, it could also raise vital funds for the city council to support community services.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said Scotland is the only country in the UK that requires retailers selling cigarettes and vapes to register. If the Tobacco and vape Bill is passed, it will mean that registration will be extended to include smoking products including tobacco tar and herbal medicines.
