In a bid to address the escalating trend of young people turning to vaping, the UK government has announced its intention to prohibit disposable vapes. The initiative also includes measures aimed at curtailing the marketing of vaping products towards children and preventing underage sales.
According to data from the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) charity, the percentage of 11 to 17-year-olds who regularly or occasionally vape has surged from 4.1% in 2020 to 7.6%. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to unveil the comprehensive plan during a visit to a school on Monday, expressing concerns about the worrisome rise in vaping among children.
The impending ban on disposable vapes, expected to be implemented nationwide, comes as part of broader efforts to create a “smoke-free generation,” building on last year’s prohibition on cigarette sales to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009.
While the sale of vapes to individuals under 18 is already illegal, the government points to disposable vapes, often presented in smaller, more vibrant packaging than refillable alternatives, as a significant driver behind the surge in youth vaping.
The timeline for the ban’s introduction remains uncertain, but it could leverage existing legislation designed for environmental protection. Retailers will be granted a six-month period for implementation once the timing is confirmed.
In addition to banning disposable vapes, the proposed changes empower authorities to restrict the sale of flavored refillable vapes marketed towards children. Plain and less appealing packaging for these products may be mandated, with requirements for shops to display them out of children’s sight.
A subsequent public consultation will determine the flavors to be banned and the regulations surrounding the sale of refillable vapes. Child-friendly vape flavors currently on the market include those inspired by cookies, jam, and energy drinks.
To combat underage sales, additional fines will be imposed on shops in England and Wales found illegally selling vapes to children. The measures also extend to nicotine pouches, which will be prohibited for children. These pouches, containing nicotine but not tobacco, are presently legally available to those under 18.
Acknowledging that vaping is less harmful than smoking, health leaders aim to strike a balance with the new measures, ensuring they don’t hinder adult smokers from transitioning to vaping as a harm reduction alternative. The ongoing public consultation will play a crucial role in determining the extent of restrictions on flavors and shop displays.
