UK: IBVTA Issues Guidance on Reopening Vape Shops Safely

As Vape Shops across the UK will be allowed to reopen on the 15th of June, the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has issued a guidance on how to proceed safely.

Diane Caruana

May 31, 2020

The IBVTA is the only trade association in the UK focused on the independent vape industry, which by definition (being independent of affiliations with the tobacco industry) prioritises the wellbeing and safety of customers and staff. When in March, vape shops were forced to close due to the current COVID-19 crises, the association had made some advice and useful links available on its website for its members.

UK vape shops have been given the go ahead to reopen on the 15th of June.

Subsequently, now that vape shops have been given the go ahead to reopen on the 15th of June, the IBVTA has issued a guidance on how to reopen vape stores safely. The guidance document has been even shared with (and therefore approved by) Public Health and Business Ministers, Public Health England and local authority Directors of Public Health, and Trading Standards.

“It is vital that if vape businesses prepare to re-open stores, they do so having in place the correct measures & procedures to protect their staff members and customers, and following all government guidance. The IBVTA recommends that stores must only re-open once the best practises outlined in this document are in place, allowing a safe environment for staff to work in and customers to shop in,” said the association on it website.

“It is incredibly important that vaping businesses do not lose sight of the reason for opening their stores. We are pleased that our sector will soon have the opportunity to serve customers, as for many people, their local vape shop will be the only thing standing between them and their next tobacco cigarette.”

Free for IBVTA members

The guidance has been funded by IBVTA membership subscriptions and has been provided for the association’s members for free. It covers key considerations including social distancing, in store sales processes and sanitising, as well as operational measures. Anyone wishing to download a copy of the guidance, will be required to pay a nominal fee of £50. Interested parties may email on info@ibvta.org.uk for further details.