The UK government plans to outlaw disposable vaping devices in an effort to reduce teenage vaping.
The government has announced plans to reduce the appeal of vaping to children by limiting the availability of sweet and fruity flavors, implementing plain packaging, and reducing the visibility of displays in stores. These changes are set to take effect by the end of this year or early 2025.
Rishi Sunak announced that one of the most concerning trends currently is the increase in vaping among children. To prevent it from becoming widespread, action must be taken.
He stated, “In my role as prime minister, it is my duty to make decisions that I believe are in the best interest of our country in the future. This is why I am implementing strong measures to prohibit disposable vapes, which have contributed to the increase in youth vaping, and to grant new abilities to limit vape flavors, implement plain packaging, and alter the way in which vapes are presented in stores.”
This action is part of a larger reaction to a survey about smoking and vaping. It has led to the development of some of the most stringent anti-smoking regulations in the world, as initially reported by the Guardian. These measures include prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009.
While vaping may assist adult smokers in quitting, medical professionals are worried about the potential long-term effects of vaping on young individuals and their developing respiratory systems. Additionally, nicotine addiction from vaping can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty focusing, and headaches during withdrawal.
New data reveals that the usage of vapes among children has significantly increased in the last three years, with a three-fold rise in the number of 11- to 15-year-olds using them. Additionally, there has been a nearly nine-fold increase in the use of disposable vapes among 11- to 17-year-olds within the last two years.
The prohibition will also decrease the significant ecological effects of single-use items, as 5 million vaping devices are discarded every week, a considerable increase from 1.3 million in the previous year.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has expressed its support for the recent announcement. This comes after their campaign, initiated in June, to prohibit single-use e-cigarettes and implement limitations on advertising.
“According to Dr. Mike McKean, a policy vice-president at the college, taking bold measures was necessary to reduce youth vaping. Banning disposable products is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
He told the Guardian that the success of the changes would depend on the detail and close monitoring of its impact on the behaviour of children and smokers. “I anticipate this will make a difference, but the size of the difference we don’t know yet,” he said. “I don’t think this area of policy is done and dusted – it’s one we watch and see if it needs tweaking and further development. This is a good bill and we should back it, but watch it very carefully.”
Although recent studies have shown that prohibiting disposable e-cigarettes may decrease their usage among individuals attempting to quit smoking, he firmly believed it was the appropriate decision. He stated, “There are various methods of aiding adults in quitting cigarette smoking, such as reusable vapes. I am not convinced by this argument. While I acknowledge people’s concerns, I would counter and say that they are not prioritizing the well-being of children and young adults.”
Sunak’s proposal to prohibit the purchase of tobacco items for individuals born after January 1, 2009 is likely to face resistance from his own party members. Dissenters include former prime minister Liz Truss, who expressed to the Times that this action goes against conservative principles.
The government aims to pass a law to prohibit disposable vapes as quickly as possible by utilizing current environmental protection laws. The ban will also apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland through devolved legislation.
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The tobacco and vapes bill, which is part of the king’s speech, will need to be approved by ministers in order to gain the authority to limit flavors, implement plain packaging, and alter the display of vapes in stores. The timeline for its approval will be influenced by other pending laws and will be followed by a six-month period for retailers to adapt to the changes.
In order to prevent the sale of vapes to minors, the government plans to implement fines for stores in England and Wales that illegally sell these products to children. This includes giving trading standards officers the ability to issue immediate fines. Additionally, alternative vaping products containing nicotine, such as pouches, will be prohibited for children.
Out of the 25,000 replies received from parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and the general public in response to the government’s public survey, 70% expressed their approval for implementing a ban on disposable vapes. However, opinions were divided when it came to restricting certain flavors.
Rachel de Souza, the commissioner for children in England, expressed her concern about the normalization of vaping among young children. Two years ago, she spoke to children about their overall health and well-being and was shocked to hear that even 12-year-olds were engaging in vaping, sometimes even on school grounds. She believes that this announcement will help address the issue and bring relief to both children and parents.
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) expressed approval for the implementation of immediate enforcement measures to address sales to minors. However, the association expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that it may discourage smokers from utilizing vapes as a tool for quitting.
A representative stated that prohibiting and limiting vaping among youth will not solve the issue. Instead, proper and proactive enforcement of the existing law is needed, as it forbids the sale of vapes to minors.
In February, the UKVIA will present a plan to lawmakers that is the result of a comprehensive survey within the industry. This plan aims to implement measures that will make it more difficult for unethical merchants to sell to underage individuals.
Source: theguardian.com
