General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 4 June 2026.
Marie McNair
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to curb vaping among young people. (S7O-00010)
Maree Todd
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government is taking action to tackle vaping among young people. In our first 100 days in government, we will consult on the retail display of vapes in order to remove the appeal and visibility of vapes to young people.
Under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, offences on the free distribution and nominal pricing of vapes will come into force on 29 October this year. From 1 June 2027, a comprehensive ban on advertising vapes will come into force, which will reduce young people’s exposure to vape adverts.
We are taking forward substance use education work in our schools through curriculum for excellence. Young people learn about a variety of substances, including vapes, and information is available through the Young Scot, Parent Club and NHS Inform websites.
Marie McNair
Scottish National Party
I recently met one of my constituents to discuss her concerns about underage vaping. We both agree that vapes should be stored like cigarettes, with no colourful marking or flavours available, to make them much less appealing. I am aware of the cross-governmental work on the issue. Will the Minister give a progress update on that and touch on what more can be done to ensure that vapes are not available to those who are underage?
Maree Todd
Scottish National Party
I share the concerns of Marie McNair’s constituent, and I am taking decisive action to tackle underage vaping and to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. The cross-Government Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 was granted royal assent on 29 April. The act contains powers to regulate product features, packaging, ingredients and flavouring for vapes. We will continue to work closely across the United Kingdom and devolved Governments on those matters.
As I said in my original answer, we will consult on the retail display of vapes within our first 100 days in government. We are working closely with the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland to strengthen the enforcement of existing legislation that bans the sale of vapes to those who are under 18, including through checks on the age of sale, alongside providing guidance and support to businesses.
David Linden
Scottish National Party
With flavours such as candy and sugar, it is indisputable that vapes are marketed towards children. In April, the Riddrie action group expressed concern that far too many vapes are being targeted towards children. Will the Scottish Government consider a nationwide moratorium on new vape shops being established within a certain radius of educational establishments?
Maree Todd
Scottish National Party
Planning authorities within local authorities are able to regulate the development of shops, including the creation of new shops, but changes to the specific range of goods that are sold in an existing shop do not constitute development, so they are not within the scope of planning control.
However, Scotland has a tobacco and vapes retail register, and all businesses must be registered to be able to sell those products in Scotland. It is the responsibility of local authorities to enforce compliance with the register in their local areas, and it is already illegal to sell all such products to under-18s. The registration process means that that illegality can be stamped out.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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