Recently released figures from the NHS for 2021 have revealed that the percentage of children aged between 11 and 15 years who use e-cigarettes has increased from 6% in 2018 to 9%. Although the sale of vapes to under 18s is prohibited, the surge in the usage and promotion of cheap, colourful products has led to companies unlawfully targeting children, prompting the government to take action against such practices.
To combat this concerning issue, the government has announced that a review will be conducted into banning retailers from selling “nicotine-free” vapes to under-18s. This move aims to ensure that the rules align with how vaping products are currently being used.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is deeply disturbed by the steep rise in the number of children using vapes and the availability of illicit products containing harmful chemicals. To effectively tackle these growing concerns, the government has launched a new illicit vape enforcement squad, which will receive a backing of £3m.
In addition to this, the government will focus on clamping down on rogue firms that unlawfully target children with these products. The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children are both unacceptable practices, and every possible measure will be taken to put an end to them.
According to Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, while vapes can help smokers to quit, it is crucial that non-smokers are not encouraged to start vaping. The surge in the number of children using vapes is troubling, and it is apparent that companies are targeting them by using attractive colours, flavours, and affordable disposable options. The government’s move to close the loophole that enables companies to give free samples of vaping products to children is a welcome step in tackling some of the harms caused by the vaping industry.
In his statement, Health Minister Neil O’Brien highlighted the urgency of stopping minors from getting hooked on vaping. To achieve this, the government will take several steps, including cracking down on companies handing out free vape samples to under 18s, adding lessons on the health risks of vaping to the curriculum for the first time, and reviewing the rules on issuing on-the-spot fines to shops selling vapes to underage customers.
Moreover, the government is considering banning the sale of nicotine-free vapes to under 18s, as it can be a gateway to nicotine products. Additionally, the government’s new specialised ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ will clamp down on online shops selling such products to under 18s.
John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, welcomed the announcement for potential additional powers for Trading Standards to help tackle the rise of vaping among young people. These measures are necessary because some retailers are not acting responsibly and knowingly sell to people under 18 years old. Giving Trading Standards the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices is an additional tool to reduce the accessibility of vapes to young people.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute also intends to reduce the appeal of vaping to non-smoking young people and has welcomed measures taken to address the issue through regulations on marketing and promotional activities in shops.
Deborah Arnott, CEO of ASH, welcomed the government’s action on youth vaping. However, she believes that the government’s proposals are not strict enough. In her statement, she urged the government to take tough action that has been previously proposed in the 2021 Health & Social Care Bill. These actions include banning free vapes for kids and prohibiting branding on vapes that appeal to children, such as sweet names and bright colours. As per Arnott, these measures should have been enacted already, but it might take months, if not years, for such steps to be implemented.
ASH also called for the government to impose a tax on cheap disposable vapes, which are the vape of choice for children and are also harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, the government’s recent announcement to tackle youth vaping is a significant step in the right direction. The involvement of government officials, trading standards, and other stakeholders in enforcing regulations and taking appropriate measures will ensure that the number of children starting to vape decreases. The urgency of this matter cannot be understated, and the government’s action is commendable.
