The charity will present its top 3 recommendations to the government, aiming to address the concerns surrounding vaping among children. Firstly, the charity proposes imposing a £5 excise tax on disposable vapes, making them less affordable for children. This measure would also grant additional powers to Border Force and HMRC to effectively prevent the influx of illegal vapes into the UK. Secondly, the charity advocates for prohibiting branding that appeals to children, including the use of bright colors, sweet names, and cartoon characters. By eliminating these elements, the aim is to reduce the attractiveness of vaping to young individuals. Lastly, the charity recommends forbidding the promotion of e-cigarettes in shops by ensuring that vapes are stored out of sight and out of reach of children.
Today, ASH will provide evidence to the Health & Social Care Committee regarding the vaping topic. The charity urges the committee to hold the government accountable for disregarding ASH’s calls for stricter e-cigarette regulation over the past three years. Deborah Arnott, ASH’s chief executive, emphasizes the need for action, stating that inaction on this issue is no longer acceptable, given recent government announcements regarding a review of the rules. Arnott stresses that tougher regulation is needed immediately and should not be delayed any further, as it had been in the past due to Brexit, COVID, and changes in government during the previous year.
The call for stricter regulation and enhanced enforcement powers for e-cigarettes is supported by Trading Standards Officers. Kate Pike, the regional coordinator of Trading Standards North West, highlights the resource constraints faced by trading standards due to funding cuts in local government. Pike suggests that imposing excise taxes on disposable vapes would grant Border Force and HMRC additional authority to prevent the illegal import, distribution, and sale of vapes. The success of similar measures in combating the illicit tobacco trade further substantiates the need for such actions in the case of e-cigarettes. Pike emphasizes the importance of collaboration with Border Force and HMRC, as trading standards alone lack the capacity to tackle the growing issue of illegal vapes.
ASH urges the government to implement a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at reducing the affordability, accessibility, appeal, and advertising of vaping to children. However, the charity also acknowledges the crucial role of stricter regulation of tobacco in curbing the prevalence of youth vaping.
In conclusion, implementing the proposed recommendations would represent a significant step towards safeguarding children from the risks associated with vaping. The active involvement of government bodies, such as Border Force and HMRC, along with the collaboration between different stakeholders, is essential in effectively combating the issue. By addressing both the affordability and appeal of vaping, as well as tightening tobacco regulation, the government can actively combat the rise in youth vaping and protect the well-being of future generations.
