Disposable vapes to be banned

In forming part of the Government’s plans to control the rising numbers of young people vaping, the Government has announced an intention to ban disposable vapes and bring forward additional measures to prevent vapes (non-disposable) being marketed to children.   

Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) charity have suggested 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape regularly or occasionally, which is an increase of from 4.1% in 2020.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated:

"As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends at the moment is the rise in vaping among children, and so we must act before it becomes endemic,"

Currently, it is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to under 18s, but the government said disposable vapes - often sold in smaller, more colourful (and likely more appealing) packaging than refillable products – are contributing factors behind the alarming rise in youth vaping.

It is believed the new bill would pass Parliament by the time of the general election - expected to be this year - with it coming into force in early 2025.

The latest changes would also introduce powers to stop refillable vapes being sold in a flavour marketed at children and to require that they be produced in plainer, less appealing packaging. The government will also be able to legislate that shops display refillable vapes out of sight of children and away from other products that children might be drawn to, like sweets.

A helpful link with further information, can be found here: 'Disposable vapes banned to protect children's health'.