COSLA to consider vape retailer regulation following Dundee initiative
A Dundee City Council initiative calling for stronger regulation of vape retailers has received a positive response from COSLA, Scotland's local government body agreeing to take the issue forward through its political governance structures.
At the City Governance Committee on 20th April, Councillor Daniel Coleman successfully moved a motion highlighting concerns about the increasing prevalence of vape retail outlets, the accessibility and visibility of vaping products to children and young people, and the lack of powers available to councils to proactively regulate where such businesses operate. The motion was seconded by Councillor Michael Crichton and was unanimously agreed by the committee.
The motion called for the Scottish Government to consider introducing a national licensing scheme for vape retailers, including enhanced powers for councils to regulate the location and density of premises, stronger enforcement mechanisms and full funding for any additional responsibilities placed on local authorities. It also requested that COSLA consider developing a co-ordinated national position on the issue.
In her response to Dundee City Council, COSLA Chief Executive Jane O'Donnell acknowledged that concerns about the growth of vape retailers are being raised by councils across Scotland and agreed there would be value in exploring the issue at a national level. She confirmed that COSLA will bring the matter to the attention of relevant policy boards and networks to support consideration through its political governance structures.
Councillor Daniel Coleman said:
“I am pleased that COSLA has recognised the importance of the concerns raised by Dundee City Council and has agreed to take the matter forward nationally.”
“The issue is not about preventing adults who are trying to stop smoking from accessing vaping products. Rather, it is about ensuring that councils have appropriate powers to respond where there are legitimate concerns about the concentration, location and visibility of vape retailers, particularly in areas frequented by children and young people.”
"COSLA's acknowledgement that these concerns are being raised by local authorities across Scotland demonstrates that this is not simply a Dundee issue. It is a national issue that requires serious consideration."
In her letter, Ms O'Donnell noted that while the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 contains powers that could enable a future licensing scheme for retailers, important questions about how such a scheme would operate remain to be determined through secondary legislation. She also highlighted the need for any new responsibilities placed on councils to be fully funded by the Scottish Government.
Councillor Coleman added : "I particularly welcome COSLA's recognition that any future regulatory framework should be informed by local authority experience and that any additional duties must be properly funded.
"Local councils and Trading Standards services are often best placed to understand the challenges in their communities. It is therefore important that local government has a strong voice in shaping future policy."
Councillor Michael Crichton also highlighted the importance of complementing regulatory measures with education and awareness work aimed at protecting children from the harms associated with vaping.
He pointed to the recent "Keep Dundee Vape Free for Children" initiative led by young people Ella, Kati and Hamza through the Children's Parliament.
The young campaigners organised public engagement events and presented proposals aimed at reducing children's access to vapes, creating vape-free spaces and improving education about vaping. Their recommendations included restricting vape displays in shops, extending smoke and vape-free zones to places where children gather, and reducing the appeal of vaping products to young people through changes to packaging and marketing.
Councillor Crichton said:
“The excellent work undertaken by Ella, Kati and Hamza demonstrates why this issue matters. Their campaign highlighted the concerns many young people have about the visibility of vaping products and the impact vaping can have on children and communities.”
“I was delighted along with Bailie Fraser Macpherson to recently attend their event and heard first-hand the thoughtful and well-informed ideas they presented.”
"Their work shows that addressing vaping requires a combination of sensible regulation, effective enforcement, public health measures and education. We should listen carefully to the voices of young people when considering how best to protect future generations."
Both councillors added that they look forward to further discussions at both local and national level as COSLA and the Scottish Government consider the future regulation of vape retailers.