A » To open a trade account for tobacco and vape products for your newsagent in Glasgow, you must first ensure full compliance with UK and Scottish regulations, as these are strictly enforced by local authorities such as Glasgow City Council Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs. Establishing a trade account begins with confirming your business is legally permitted to sell these age-restricted goods. You must hold a valid premises licence under the Tobacco and Medical Cannabis (Licensing and Sale) (Scotland) Act 2022, which replaced the older Tobacco Retailer Register; this requires a separate application through Glasgow City Council’s licensing department, including a fee and a plan showing how you will prevent underage sales. For vape products, while a separate licence is not yet required in Scotland (as of now), you must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and the new Scottish regulations expected to tighten restrictions. Ensure your business is registered for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds the threshold, as wholesalers will request your VAT registration number. You will also need a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for your newsagent, and many wholesalers demand a copy of your public liability insurance certificate and a recent utility bill confirming your Glasgow address. Once your licensing is in order, identify reputable tobacco and vape wholesalers that serve Scotland. Major national distributors include JTI, Imperial Brands, and Philip Morris, but they often require a minimum order volume and a proven sales history. For vape-specific accounts, consider specialist distributors like VPZ, Totally Wicked, or Vape Club, which have dedicated trade portals. Contact their trade sales departments via phone or email, explaining that you are a newsagent in Glasgow with a valid premises licence and a need for both tobacco and e-liquid/device supply. They will send an application form requesting your business details, proof of identity (e.g., a passport for the owner), proof of business registration (Companies House certificate if limited company, or sole trader registration with HMRC), and evidence of your licence. Many wholesalers also require a trade reference from your current supplier or bank. After submission, expect a credit check; as a new account, you may initially need to pay pro forma until a payment history is established. Additionally, you must set up an age verification policy for your shop—such as Challenge 25—and display required statutory notices. Glasgow’s Trading Standards officers may conduct test purchases, so ensure all staff are trained. Finally, consider joining the Scottish Grocers Federation for guidance on supplier terms and regulatory updates. Once your account is approved, you can order stock, but remember that each delivery must be recorded in a tobacco sales register as per Scottish law, and all vape products must comply with packaging and ingredient reporting requirements. Maintain meticulous records for potential audits. By following these steps—licensing, document preparation, wholesaler outreach, and compliance—you will successfully open a trade account for your Glasgow newsagent.