The government is taking decisive action to address the growing issue of youth vaping by announcing plans to ban disposable vapes and implement stricter regulations on marketing and sales targeted at children.
According to figures from the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) charity, there has been a significant increase in vaping among 11 to 17-year-olds, with 7.6% now vaping regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1% in 2020.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised the importance of preventing young people from vaping, citing concerns about addiction and the long-term health effects. He stressed the need to find a balance between restricting access for children while ensuring that adult smokers have access to vaping as a cessation tool.
While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, the NHS highlights that its long-term risks are still not fully understood.
The proposed ban on disposable vapes aims to curb underage vaping, with additional measures targeting marketing strategies and flavoured products appealing to children.
The ban is expected to be introduced across the UK, with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressing confidence that the new bill will pass Parliament and come into force in early 2025. Retailers will be given six months to comply once the timing is confirmed.
In addition to banning disposable vapes, the government plans to introduce fines for shops caught illegally selling vapes to children and to restrict the sale of flavored refillable vapes. These measures aim to create a “smoke-free generation” and reduce young people’s exposure to potentially harmful substances.
The announcement has garnered support from health organisations, including Ash and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, but has faced criticism from the UK Vaping Industry Association, which argues that the ban could fuel the black market and harm adult smokers seeking an alternative to cigarettes.
The proposed ban aligns with similar actions taken by other countries, including Australia, France, Germany and New Zealand. However, some argue that more stringent measures, such as taxing e-cigarettes or limiting access through prescription, may be necessary to address the issue effectively.
[Image created via MidJourney]