Scotland moves to restrict sale of e-cigarettes

The Scottish government intends to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes and restrict their advertising as part of proposals outlined in the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc and Care) (Scotland) Bill published on 5 June 2015 and which is due to become law later this year.

Retailers will be banned from selling e-cigarettes to under-18s and it will become an offence if an adult buys them for a minor. Retailers that sell the products will have to sign up to an official register.

The government also plans to make it a criminal offence to smoke on hospital grounds.

Anybody breaking the law could face a criminal prosecution and a penalty fine. Health boards currently only have the power to prohibit smoking within grounds.

The introduction of a statutory duty of candour is also contained in the Bill and will require all NHS organisations in Scotland to be open and transparent about any unintended harm to a patient.

“Our duty of candour proposals will put transparency at the heart of care, drive up standards, and help us to learn lessons from previous mistakes,” according to Scottish minister for health Maureen Watt, who introduced the Bill.

A new criminal offence of wilful neglect or ill treatment that will apply in cases where there has been intent to harm or ill-treat a patient, is also proposed.