It comes after more than 40 vape-related fires raged across the country in the last five years.

(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)

The makers of one of the world’s most popular vapes have called for a compulsory licensing scheme to crack down on Scotland’s dodgy vape shops.

It follows revelations in the Daily Record earlier this week of more than forty vape related fires across the country in the last five years. Eve Peters, director of government affairs in the UK for ELFBAR, wants stores licensed to sell electronic cigarette in the same way as pubs, off sales, supermarkets, and grocers are for alcohol.

Councils would also be given the power to remove licences from rogue traders, effectively closing them down.

An unregulated vape shop was blamed for sparking the fire that destroyed the landmark Union Corner building near Glasgow Central Station in March, causing millions of pounds of damage and weeks of disruption to the city centre.

Ms Peters said:”Licensing would give local authorities powers to take action against rogue retailers operating outside the law “ELFBAR, and representatives of the vape sector, have long advocated for licensing to ensure the responsible sale of vaping products – with 83 percent of Scots in favour.

“The Tobacco & Vapes Act gives the Scottish Government greater powers to regulate vaping products, a matter of significant public interest following the Union Street fire in Glasgow.

“The cause is still under investigation, but we know that the shop at the centre of the incident was not registered to sell vaping products, bringing the current registration and enforcement under scrutiny.

“Councillors and the public want stronger regulation….to strengthen safeguards and help prevent similar incidents from happening again.

“A robust licensing scheme would go a long way in stamping out rogue traders.”

(Image: Daily Record)

ELFBAR is a Chinese brand of electronic cigarette.

In 2023 it was the third-best selling e-cigarette in the world with reported annual sales of around £900 million.

The manufacturer have also written to the Scottish Government with their proposals.

ELFBAR say licensing would also ensure that shops don’t sell illegal vapes, that used vapes are disposed of safely, and that a proposed duty on vapes from October is paid.

The cost of enforcement would be funded by a licence fee paid by the shop and from fines of up to £2500 imposed for transgressions.

All premises would be inspected by council officials such as trading standards prior to a licence being granted.

At present shops are only required to join the Scottish Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Retailer Register to sell vapes.

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According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to 41 fires involving “vapes and related equipment” between 2021 and 2025, including 11 last year.

West Lothian had the most vape-related fires with six. There were five in Glasgow, four in Falkirk and three each in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeenshire.

Following the Glasgow city centre blaze fresh fears were then expressed about vape safety, especially around charging, and the potentially dangerous lithium-ion batteries within vapes.

Yesterday support for tougher measures came from the UK Vaping Industry Association and the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF)

UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “If the current Scottish registration scheme was replaced by a combination of vape licensing, effective enforcement and strong penalties, this would better protect the legitimate retail sector who offer adults a less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco while hitting hard those who think the law does not apply to them.”

SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema, added: “Non-compliance and illicit trade is very worrying for our sector and it’s a having a growing impact on Scottish communities.

“Our discussions with the Minister for Victims & Community Safety prior to the election were very constructive. We outlined a range of proposals aimed at reducing the spread of illegal goods across Scotland, including a potential licensing scheme.”

Last month a separate report found that vape shops are frequently used as fronts for organised crime.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said:”All retailers in Scotland selling tobacco and/or vapes must sign up to the mandatory Register of Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Retailers.

“The register provides Trading Standards officers with information to undertake enforcement activity. We remain committed to considering how the register could be improved.”