A Musselburgh store boss has hit out at a Scottish Government move to curb store vaping displays.

Dan Brown, 30, owner of Pinkie Farm Convenience Store at Moray Way and president of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), fears that the proposals will hamper efforts to help smokers kick their habit, as well as hit trade in local shops.

He said that potential curbs on displaying vaping products in stores would be “bad news” for the campaign to make the region smoke-free and healthier.

Mr Brown, a Musselburgh resident, is also concerned the proposals would hit his business and is supporting calls for them to be dropped.

A consultation on tightening rules around the advertising and promotion of vaping products includes a move to outlaw in-store promotional displays.

The SGF is arguing that any such ban risks setting back the health agenda by “hiding a proven route for smokers to quit”.

While SGF members, including Mr Brown, sell both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, they say that they are committed to playing their part in improving health outcomes by reducing tobacco sales and replacing them with sales of vapour products.

He said: “From both a business and public health point of view, restricting vaping products makes absolutely no sense.

“These need to be visible in-store so that retailers can help customers to find the right kind of product.

“The marketing and the display of vapes go together to help raise awareness of these products.

“If we are serious about achieving a tobacco-free generation then we must recognise the important role vaping can play.”

SGF is urging shopkeepers across Edinburgh and the Lothians to make their views known to the Government by responding to its consultation, which closes on April 28.

Dr John Lee, SGF head of public affairs, claimed: “The proposal to ban the in-store promotion of vaping products is bad news for the drive to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034.

“It’s also potentially harmful for the local economy by financially penalising the region’s convenience stores, whose staff do a fantastic job serving their communities and are committed to selling vaping products responsibly.”

In the Scottish Government’s online consultation, Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, stated: “While we continue to work towards addressing historic trends of high smoking rates, we are aware that technological and cultural advancements can bring about new public health concerns.

“The emergence of vaping products, including electronic cigarettes, as an alternative to tobacco is one such concern.

“The full impact of their long-term use is not yet known and could have a negative impact on public health in years to come.

“Reducing exposure to the advertising and promotion of vape products is the best way to protect non-smokers, young people and children from being enticed to experiment with these products.

“Vaping products should only be used as a tool to help people stop smoking tobacco. They are not a lifestyle accessory.”

Access the consultation at gov.scot/publications/tight ening-rules-advertising-promoting-vaping-products-consultation-paper-2022/pages/21