A Glasgow fire sparks national questions over Scotland’s vaping licensing rules

Scotland’s vaping shop registration system is under renewed scrutiny after MSPs questioned whether it is fit for purpose following the Glasgow Union Street fire, which began in a vape shop that was not listed on the national tobacco and vape retailer register.

During Holyrood’s Portfolio Questions on 18 March 2026, MSPs from several parties argued that the incident exposed weaknesses in the current regulatory framework. The shop at the centre of the fire had been selling vapes without being registered, despite registration being a legal requirement.

Green MSP Gillian Mackay said the case highlighted “clear failures” in the system. She pointed out that there is no mechanism to remove shops from the register once they are added, enforcement varies widely between councils, and the current model lacks the oversight associated with a full licensing regime similar to alcohol licensing. She pressed ministers on whether Scotland should move towards a licensing system and what additional support councils would receive to enforce existing rules.

Public health minister Ivan McKee defended the registration system, noting that Scotland is the only UK nation with a dedicated tobacco and vape retailer register. He stressed that failing to register can lead to fines of up to £20,000 or six months’ imprisonment, and that local authorities are responsible for enforcement.

However, he acknowledged that improvements may be needed. He said the Government is considering changes to strengthen the register, including adding new conditions, though he stopped short of committing to a full licensing model.

Conservative MSP Pam Gosal warned that trading standards teams are too stretched to enforce the law effectively. She highlighted that Scotland now has around 250 full‑time equivalent trading standards officers, down by more than half since 2002, and that most councils have eight or fewer officers. She argued that without adequate staffing, even a strong licensing system would struggle to function.

McKee responded that councils are responsible for staffing decisions and said the Scottish Government has increased local government funding in real terms.

Labour MSP Paul Sweeney raised concerns about planning regulations, noting that the Glasgow shop had previously been a bureau de change and was able to switch to selling vapes without requiring new planning consent. He urged ministers to consider tightening planning rules to prevent such changes going unexamined.

McKee said any changes to planning use classes would need careful consideration to avoid creating unnecessary barriers for businesses, but agreed the issue warranted further discussion.