- UK bans disposable vapes
- Measures target youth vaping
- Enhanced fines for illegal sales
The government has announced that disposable vapes will be banned to combat the rising addiction to vaping among young people.
Additionally, measures will be implemented to prevent the marketing of vapes to children and to target sales to minors.
The Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) charity reports that the percentage of 11- to 17-year-olds who vape regularly or occasionally has increased from 4.1% in 2020 to 7.6% at present.
The moratorium is anticipated to be implemented nationwide, according to the government.
On Monday, during a school visit, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to provide an exposition of the plans above.
“As every parent and educator is aware, the increase in child vaping is currently one of the most alarming trends; therefore, we must take action before it becomes pervasive,” he said in a statement.
It follows the announcement last year that, to create a “smoke-free generation,” the sale of cigarettes to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 would be prohibited.
Already, it is a crime to sell vape products to anyone under the age of 18. However, the government has identified disposable vapes, which are often packaged in brighter, more compact designs than refillable vapes, as a “significant catalyst” for the alarming increase in youth vaping.
Vaping: Risks and Regulatory Changes
Vaping is significantly less hazardous than smoking, but its long-term risks are not yet understood, according to the National Health Service.
Inhaled vapour may still contain trace quantities of chemicals found in cigarettes, such as nicotine, which is addictive but not regarded as one of the most problematic components of cigarettes by the NHS.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed confidence that Parliament would approve the new legislation before the general election, which is anticipated to occur this year. If ratified, the measure would come into force in early 2025.
After confirming the timetable, retailers will be allocated six months to implement the change.
The measure could be introduced by utilising pre-existing legislation specifically formulated to safeguard the environment.
Long have activists argued that disposable vapes are wasteful and difficult to dispose of securely due to the materials, chemicals, and lithium batteries used in their production.
The latest amendments would also mandate that refillable vapes be manufactured in plainer, less alluring packaging and prohibit the sale of flavours marketed to children.
Additionally, the government will be able to require retailers to conceal refillable vapes from children and to position them away from potentially hazardous products, such as sweets.
Consultations and Responses to Vaping
The government announced another public survey to decide which variations to ban and how to distribute refillable vapes.
Child-friendly vape flavours draw inspiration from energy drinks, biscuits, and jam.
To stop selling to minors, England and Wales vape retailers will be fined more.
The headteacher at Baxter College in Kidderminster, Matt Carpenter, described vaping as a “huge part of youth culture” and a “major step forward” regarding the proposed ban on disposable vapes.
The headteacher at Newham Catholic College in Oldham, Glyn Potts, stated that action was required. This is to prevent children from being “bombarded” with “attractive” products on social media and in shops nationwide.
Additionally, he stated that there was evidence of specific vape devices being altered to include “cannabis derivatives.” He claimed that this could land adolescents in hospitals.
Children will also be banned from using nicotine pouches, little white packets worn between the gum and the lip. Nicotine-releasing pouches without tobacco are legal for under-18s.
Health officials will be eager to ensure that the new rules do not hinder adult smokers’ vaping transition.
Consultation regarding how much restrictions on varieties and store displays should be implemented will be crucial.
The announcement follows an initial consultation initiated by the UK government and devolved administrations in late 2017 to gauge public opinion regarding proposed measures to reduce smoking and vaping.
According to the government, nearly 70% of respondents favoured a moratorium on disposable vapes.
Have other nations prohibited disposable vapes?
Both the Scottish and Welsh administrations have expressed their intention to implement bans. They propose to do so by passing legislation in their parliaments or supporting UK-wide measures.
After a breakdown in power sharing, Northern Ireland still needs a devolved administration. However, the Department of Health has stated that it has “a long-standing strategic aim for a tobacco-free Northern Ireland” and will make the necessary arrangements to grant incoming ministers the authority to decide on the prohibition.
The United Kingdom has become one of a handful of nations that intend to ban disposable vapes. Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand have all stated similar initiatives, but only New Zealand has implemented them.
Some will contend that the United Kingdom’s current plans are insufficient. To align electronic cigarettes with tobacco, there have been demands for a tax. Meanwhile, Australia has restricted access to vapes to those with a valid prescription.
‘Desperate attempt’
Ash’s chief executive officer, Deborah Arnott, praised the government’s strategy. At the same time, Dr. Camilla Kingdon, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, made a statement. She stated that a “smoke-free generation” would decrease the likelihood of young people developing preventable diseases later in life.
The UK Vaping Industry Association expressed “disappointment” at the news. They stated that disposable vapes “have been instrumental in assisting millions of adults to quit and remain off cigarettes.”
It said in a statement that preventing adolescent access to vaping is an important matter. However, this action appears to be the government’s desperate attempt to trade vapers for votes.
The Association further contended that the ban would escalate the risks faced by children as it would “invigorate the black market” and expand the accessibility of unauthorised vapes. Conversely, it advocated for enhanced enforcement of the existing legislation.
Eve Peters, director of government affairs for Elf Bar, one of the largest vape manufacturers in the country with sister brand Lost Mary, stated that the company was “disappointed with the outright ban” but supported the government’s effort to prevent minors from using vapes.
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A spokesperson for the United Kingdom division of British American Tobacco, Asli Ertonguc, stated that stricter regulations are needed. She mentioned that rules regarding the “importation, appeal, and accessibility of these products will reduce underage use more effectively.”
Several major vaping businesses’ stock fell Monday morning in response to the potential ban.
Trading Standards officers assert that additional resources are required to assist in the prosecution of unscrupulous retailers, and it may take a while and a variety of policies to prevent vapes containing harmful, illegal content from entering the United Kingdom and reaching children.
The maximum sanction imposed by local authorities is £2,500, and in October, the government announced a £30 million enforcement package.
