SCOTLAND
Scotland is one of the latest countries to regulate e-cigarettes as restrictions on e-cigarettes including a ban on sales to under-18s came into effect on April 1.
The new regulations make it illegal for people under 18 to buy tobacco and nicotine vapor products, known as NVPs or e-cigarettes. Anyone buying the products for those aged under 18 will also be breaking the law, with shops selling them required to have an age verification policy and to be registered.
Public health minister Aileen Campbell said, “We know e-cigarettes are almost certainly safer than cigarettes and have a role to help people quit smoking, but we don’t believe children should have access to them - that’s why these age restrictions are so important.”
“From today [April 1], it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes to, or buy them for, under-18s. Additionally, all retailers selling tobacco or e-cigarettes must be registered and undertake age verification.”
“We are working closely with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation to make retailers aware of these changes and what they mean for their daily business. A campaign is already underway across Scotland and will continue to run throughout the summer to ensure everyone is aware of these changes to the law.”
The new restrictions were brought in by the Health Act 2016, which also set out restrictions on e-cigarette advertising and a ban on vending machines selling the products, both of which are due to be introduced later this year.