UKVIA Urges Vape Shops to Respect UK Govt Lockdown Directions

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), has issued a press release urging vape stores to adhere to the guidance released by the Government, with regards to remaining closed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Diane Caruana

April 9, 2020

Following a report by a local newspaper that a vape shop owner had been arrested after being caught keeping their retail outlet open, the UKVIA has issued a press release urging e-cig retailers to follow government instructions. “We understand that we are talking about people’s livelihoods here, but it is paramount that the industry follows the government guidance. We have to wait until we get the green light to reopen,” said Director of the UKVIA, John Dunne.

In addition to dedicated online retailers and manufacturing facilities operating as usual, physical store owners are looking to ramp up sales via their websites, and many have set up home delivery services.

Meanwhile, the association has issued another press release to reassure e-cigarette users around the country, that they are still able to obtain their devices despite the shop closures. In addition to dedicated online retailers and manufacturing facilities operating as usual, physical store owners are looking to ramp up sales via their websites, and many have set up home delivery services.

“In the meantime, vape retailers are offering online and home delivery services. In addition, whilst supermarkets and corner shops, which the government has allowed to stay open, don’t have the range of vape products sold by specialist offline and online stores, consumers can still buy vape devices and e-liquids from these outlets,” said Dunne.

Coronavirus resources on the UKVIA website

The UKVIA has also issued a coronavirus guide on its website for all its members. This not only provides government guidance but also highlights a range of best practice health and safety measures to implement in the workplace, in order to ensure the safety of workers and customers alike.

Additionally, a list of UKVIA retail members who are still open for business and are providing online and home delivery services, has been made available on the association’s website.