From 1st June 2025, it is an offence for a person or business to supply, offer to supply, or have in their possession for supply, single-use vapes. Those found in breach will be subject to a summary conviction of up to 2 years or/and a fine.
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In the coming months further changes to the regulations on the sale of vape and tobacco products are expected to be introduced through the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
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This survey is intended to support the work of SGF to raise awareness of the potential unintended consequences of these measures, such as impacts on illicit trade and operational challenges.
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(Please report any illegal or non-compliant sale of vape or tobacco products you are aware of to your local Trading Standards, or call Police Scotland on 101)

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1. Please tell us which area/local authority your business operates in?

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2. How concerned are you about the impacts of increasing illicit trade on your business and your community?

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3. Do you agree or disagree that the ban on single-use vapes has encouraged the sale and purchase of illicit products in your area?

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4. Following the introduction of the ban on 1st June, how often have you been asked by customers to sell them non-compliant single-use vapes?

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5. Has the ban on single-use vapes increased the number of cases of verbal abuse towards staff in your store?

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6. Without providing any personal or business details - Please tell us any concerns you have about illicit trade, or if you are aware of any instances of people intentionally selling illicit/non-compliant vape or tobacco products to the public.

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7. If you answered Qu.6, have you reported the incident to the authorities?

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8. If you responded 'Yes' to Qu.7, are you aware of any action having been taken by the authorities?

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9. Do you agree or disagree that further restrictions on vape and tobacco products will encourage the sale and purchase of illicit products in your area?

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10. Has sale of tobacco products (such as cigarettes) increased or decreased since the introduction of the ban on single-use vapes on 1st June?

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11. Which of the following potential restrictions do you think will have the biggest impact on your customers who use vapes as a cessation aid.
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Please order according how likely the restriction will be to discourage cessation of smoking, among customers who wish to quit (1 highest impact - 5 least impact).

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12. How likely will it be that restrictions to flavours will disincentivise your customers from using vapes to aid cessation, for those who wish to quit smoking.

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13. How likely will it be that restrictions to in-store displays will disincentivise your customers from using vapes to aid cessation, for those who wish to quit smoking.

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14. If potential restrictions require all vape displays be removed and placed behind shutters, what would be the biggest impact on your business?

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15. When the generational ban on tobacco products comes into force in 2027, what will the most significant operational/in-store challenges be for your business?

Thank you for completing this survey.

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