No under-age vaping charter for Moray
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Moray Council will not follow Aberdeen's lead by introducing a charter to discourage young people from vaping or smoking.
Aberdeen's charter aims to address 'proxy purchasing' – when an adult buys the products for an under-age person.
One of its measures is to encourage retailers selling nicotine-related products to only accept card payments.
The reasoning is that while youngsters might give cash to a stranger, most would never hand over their debit cards.
Another of the charter's measures is that anyone who appears to be under-25 will be asked for proof of their age to ensure they are over 18.
In addition, retailers have to provide staff which appropriate training.
Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin North, SNP) submitted a written question to yesterday's meeting of the council's planning committee.
In it he asked: "Could such a charter be introduced in Moray and, if so, could officers bring back a report to this committee?"
The written response stated: "The charter in Aberdeen is a pilot project, and is a voluntary charter for retailers to try address the issue of under-age sales of tobacco and vapes.
"Legislation regarding tobacco and vapes is enforced by the council's trading standards section.
"Recent resignations mean that we do not have the capacity at this time to enforce the legislation and be proactive around the sale of tobacco and vaping products.
The response added that the scheme was costing about £1500 to promote in Aberdeen, but there was no budget currently available in Moray.
However, Moray Council, it was stated, will monitor how the charter in Aberdeen.
The response concluded: "Should it be successful, officers will submit a report to committee which will identify staffing and budget implications."
