Just four stores convicted of vape sales to children

ONLY four shopkeepers in Scotland have been found guilty of selling vapes to underage children, according to shocking statistics that have sparked calls for a crackdown.

There has been an explosion in the number of school pupils using e-cigarettes in recent years, even though they cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18.

However, newly published data has disclosed there have been only a handful of prosecutions.

Figures from the Scottish Government highlighted that from 2018-19 to 2022-23, just 17 charges were reported in relation to selling a nicotine vapour product to a person under the age 18.

Of them, nine were prosecuted, with four convicted. Three charges were marked no further action and two are ongoing.

Last night Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who requested the information, said underage vaping was becoming an epidemic that poses huge risks to children.

She said: ‘Instead of sleepwalking into a public health crisis, we need a crackdown on retailers selling vaping products to kids.

‘Before the summer, I was visiting schools where pupils as young as eight had tried vaping.

‘Parents, teachers and young people are all telling me that urgent action is needed.

‘The low level of convictions proves that tougher enforcement action is needed, otherwise the dodgy sellers are going to keep peddling vapes to children.’

Last month the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland said 63 out of 312 stores visited were caught out by underage test-purchasing on vaping products. One in eight stores visited also failed underage test purchases of cigarettes.

Action on Smoking and Health (Scotland) chief executive Sheila Duffy said the surge in children using disposable e-cigarettes is alarming and called on the Scottish Government to do more.

She said: ‘These products are not harmless and are age-restricted for good reason.

‘Nicotine is highly addictive and e-cigarettes emit particulates and include toxic chemicals that have not been safety tested for inhalation and could damage health over time – this is especially worrying for children and young people.

‘The cheap cost of disposable ecigarettes as well as their sweet flavours, vibrant colouring and packaging make them attractive to young people.’