Scottish Green Party Proposal: Local Authorities Will Be Given The Right To License E-cigarette Sales

Scottish Green Party proposal: Local authorities will be given the right to license e-cigarette sales

A Scottish Green Party MP has proposed introducing a licensing system for e-cigarette sales, giving local authorities the power to approve or refuse sales licenses and allowing licenses to be revoked for violators.

According to the Inverness Courier on January 1, Gillian Mackay, the health spokesperson for the Scottish Green Party, called on the government to introduce a "strong" e-cigarette licensing system as part of a plan to regulate the industry.

The MP urged the government to launch a plan to give city councils the power to approve or refuse license applications for places where e-cigarette products are sold. The British government is already considering a bill that, if passed, would restrict flavored e-cigarette flavors and review e-cigarette packaging to reduce its appeal to children and young people.

The bill also includes a complete ban on e-cigarette advertising and sponsorship, including displays that children and young people can see, to align it with existing tobacco restrictions.

Gillian Mackay said local authorities should have the power to refuse to issue licenses and take appropriate penalties against retailers who violate regulations, including revoking their licenses.

Mackay pointed out that Scotland needs a strong licensing system to protect public health and put it above the interests of the tobacco and e-cigarette industries. She also said that the upcoming ban on disposable e-cigarettes will be an important milestone for public health and the community, and the provision of recycling points and services will be a condition of issuing licenses. In addition, if the registration fee is sufficient to cover the cost of managing the program, it will be able to raise important funds for the city council to support community services.

Scottish Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said that Scotland is the only region in the UK that requires retailers selling tobacco and e-cigarettes to register. If passed, the Tobacco and E-cigarette Bill will mean that registration will be extended to cover nicotine and herbal smoking products.