ELFBAR Responsible Retailing and Preventing Youth Access
ELFBAR is committed to ensuring that vaping products are used by adult smokers and ex-smokers, not by children. This commitment extends to our marketing, promotion and relationship with our distributor and retail channels.
Our approach:
- ELFBAR product packaging contains warning labels, not for under-18 graphics, a “Keep out of reach of children” message, key public health messages, ingredient listing and QR code authenticity to verify it is a genuine product.
- ELFBAR products are not marketed using cartoons, cartoon imagery, anime, or other similar designs. We addressed third-party promotions on social media platforms and took action to restrict marketing and promotion. We do not provide TikTok content and communications marketing in the UK.
- We advocate for a voluntary sector code for the responsible display of vaping products, including out-of-sight and reach of children.
- We have taken action to remove certain brand descriptors that are perceived to appeal to young people.
- Our developing global Lighthouse Guardian programme includes detailed guidance to retailers, including store training, collateral, resources, and tools to prevent underage vaping sales, but we supplement this activity through our support of established and recognised organisations in the UK that are delivering effective campaigns in this area.
Working with partners to promote responsible retailing and youth access prevention
We are also members of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) and actively support their programmes to tackle youth access, and through the promotion of responsible retailing.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is the voice of over 33,500 local shops. In July 2023, they published a new campaign to support the responsible retailing of vaping products.
As part of the campaign, ACS has published new Challenge 25 materials specific to vaping to help responsible retailers when serving customers.
The campaign is also highlighting the main areas to look out for when trying to spot a fake or illicit vape.
These include:
- Check the number of puffs. Anything over about 650 for a disposable could be a sign of an illicit product
- Check the warning label. If there’s any variation on the words “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance” then it shouldn’t be on the UK market
- Check the nicotine content. If there’s no stated content and delivery per dose, it might be fake
- Check the manufacturer details. If there’s no legitimate name and address of the manufacturer/importer, it might be fake
Any retailer who’s not sure about whether the products they’ve been offered are legitimate or not can also check the MHRA’s Notified Products list, which is online here: https://cms.mhra.gov.uk/ecig-new
Detailed advice for retailers on the responsible sale and recycling of vaping products, backed by Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards as part of ACS’ industry-leading Assured Advice scheme, is available via the following link https://cdn.acs.org.uk/public/acs_advice_-_vaping_april_2023.pdf
The Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF)
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is the voice of the Scottish convenience store sector, representing over 5,000 stores. In May 2023, SGF published their latest vaping products compliance guide. The guide includes important information on vaping regulations, retailer compliance, staff training, Challenge 25, display signage and the Scotland Retailer Registration Scheme. Any business that sells Nicotine Vapour Products must be registered. Registration is free. The guide also sets out the penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.
As members of both associations, we are committed to supporting their activities in driving responsible retailing and preventing youth access to vaping products.
For further information or media enquiries on our commitment to responsible retailing and preventing youth access to vaping products, please contact pr@elfbar.com.