Vaping Measures to Crack Down on Retailers Targeting Children

The UK government has launched a new crackdown on vape marketing in a bid to prevent targeting children and young people. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has pledged to clamp down on the “unacceptable” promotion of e-cigarettes as concerns grow over increasing levels of vaping among young people.

Recent NHS figures for 2021 show that 9% of 11 to 15 year old children in England use e-cigarettes. This number is up from 6% in 2018. Concerns over the increasing levels of vaping have led to this new government crackdown.

‘Deeply Concerned’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping. I am shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children. Our new illicit vape enforcement squad – backed by £3 million – is on the case. But clearly there is more to do. That is why I am taking further action to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products. The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable. I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good.”

In addition, the chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has added: “Closing the loophole that allows companies to give out free samples of vaping products to under 18s is a very welcome step in tackling some of the harms caused by the vaping industry. We should continue to encourage smokers to swap to vaping as the lesser risk, while preventing the marketing and sale of vapes to children.”

New Rules on Fines to Combat Underage Vaping

Alongside the ban on free samples, there will also be a review into the rules on issuing fines to shops selling vapes to under 18s illegally. This will allow local Trading Standards officers to issue on-the-spot fines and fixed penalty notices more easily. It will complement existing fine and penalty procedures, and will cover both illegal and under-age sales for vapes and tobacco. When gaps are identified, the government has pledged to take action to close them.

Recent statistics from the Action on Smoking and Health Smokefree GB Youth Survey 2023 of 11-17 year olds show that two out of five young people say they smoke vapes “just to give it a try,” while around one in five say they smoke vapes “because other people use them, so I join in.”

Is Enough Being Done to Combat Vaping?

Do you think that enough is being done to combat underage vaping, and do you think that these measures go far enough? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

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