Public Health Minister has welcomed a new modernised
website for the register of retailers selling tobacco and vapes.
The system will allow easier verification of sellers and
enforcement of regulations by Trading Standards and local
authority officers.
Ms Minto said:
“This new system aims to enhance data quality - ultimately
enabling better enforcement of regulations on those selling
tobacco and vapes which ensure young people under 18 cannot
access these age-restricted products.
“While most retailers comply with the law, this up-to-date
database is more accurate and can be more easily checked.
“The system will also provide retailers with information on any
changes to the law made through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which
is under consideration at the UK Parliament.”
Background
Scottish software firm launches
platform for the safe licensing of tobacco products in
Scotland
Zudu, an Edinburgh-based software engineering firm, won a place
on the Scottish Government's CivTech innovation and tech
accelerator to deliver a new platform product website hosting the
Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Register. The previous website was a
decade old. The accelerator helps tech companies develop products
as quickly and effectively as possible.
All retailers selling tobacco and vapes must sign up to the new
system, called ePass. It enables Trading Standards and local
council officials to quickly and easily search the new website to
confirm registration. The database includes names, addresses and
other contact details of businesses from independently owned
shops to supermarket chains and ensures sales of these products
are conducted in a safe and reliable manner.
The platform uses ScotAccount for registrants
to sign in, adding an extra layer of security and reassurance for
everyone using the register.
