UK Disposable vapes banned to protect children’s health

Disposable vapes will be banned in the UK as part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children’s health.

In a landmark move to combat the surge in youth vaping and safeguard the health of future generations, the UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has announced a comprehensive ban on disposable vapes. This decision, revealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to a school on January 29, 2024, forms part of a broader strategy to address the troubling trend of vaping among children and teenagers.

The initiative springs from the government’s extensive consultation on smoking and vaping, initiated in October of the previous year. Alarmingly, recent statistics indicate a tripling in the number of children engaging in vaping over the past three years, with a notable rise among 11 to 15-year-olds, now at 9%. Given the addictive nature of nicotine and the potential health risks associated with vaping, which remain largely unknown, the government is taking decisive action to prevent vaping from becoming a normalized habit among the youth.

Disposable vapes, identified as a significant factor in the rising trend of youth vaping, will be targeted specifically under the new measures. The government plans to introduce regulations to limit appealing vape flavors, enforce plain packaging, and alter the retail display of vapes to reduce their attractiveness to children. Additionally, the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will be prohibited, reinforcing the Prime Minister’s vision for a smoke-free generation.

To enforce these regulations, new fines will be imposed on shops in England and Wales that illegally sell vapes to minors, with Trading Standards officers authorized to take immediate action against such violations. The measures also extend to banning nicotine pouches for children, who are increasingly turning to these alternatives.

The government’s commitment to a smoke-free generation is further underscored by a £30 million annual funding boost to enforcement agencies like Border Force, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Trading Standards. This funding aims to clamp down on the illicit trade of tobacco products, which costs the UK economy approximately £2.8 billion annually in lost revenue.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins and other health officials have voiced their support for the ban, emphasizing the dangers of smoking and the importance of preventing children from starting this harmful habit. The ban is also expected to have a positive environmental impact, addressing the issue of disposable vapes contributing to waste and pollution.

The government’s consultation on creating a smoke-free generation and addressing youth vaping received overwhelming support from parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and the public, with nearly 70% in favor of banning disposable vapes. The forthcoming legislation, set to be introduced in Parliament, marks a significant step towards protecting children’s health and creating a legacy of a healthier, smoke-free future.

Source: Disposable vapes banned to protect children’s health