Government imposes ban on disposable vapes to protect children's health

In a bid to address the soaring number of young people taking up vaping, the British government has announced plans to ban disposable vapes.

The move is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes preventing the marketing of vapes to children and curbing under-age sales.

The prime minister's ambitious goal is to create a smoke-free generation by outlawing tobacco sales for those born after January 1, 2009.

Moreover, new powers are set to be unveiled to restrict vape flavours, aiming to make them less appealing to children. The ban will also extend to nicotine pouches, aligning with the government's commitment to creating a healthier environment.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assured that adult smokers attempting to quit would still have access to alternatives such as vapes. While the sale of any vape to individuals under 18 is already illegal, disposable vapes, often presented in colourful, smaller packaging, are identified as a significant factor behind the surge in youth vaping.

Championing these initiatives on Monday, Mr Sunak stressed the necessity for 'strong action' to eliminate vaping among children. He stated: "Children shouldn't be vaping, we don't want them to get addicted, we still don't understand the full long-term health impacts."

Despite vaping being considered substantially less harmful than smoking, concerns about its long-term risks persist due to its relatively recent emergence, according to the NHS.

The British government cited troubling statistics, revealing that the number of children using vapes has tripled in the last three years. The rise is attributed, in part, to the prevalence of cheap and easily accessible disposable vapes.

Research conducted in 2023 indicates that approximately 69 percent of vapers aged 11 to 17 in Great Britain were using disposable vapes, a significant increase from 7.7 percent in 2021.

Responding to the urgent situation, the government aims to ban the sale and supply of disposable vapes in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland is also considering introducing a similar ban in the future.

To reduce the attractiveness of vapes to children, regulations concerning vape flavours, packaging, and in-store displays will be strengthened.

Trading standards officers will be empowered to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for the sale of tobacco and vapes to children in England and Wales, intensifying efforts to combat underage sales.

The ban comes following a public consultation, where nearly 70 percent of respondents, including parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, favoured the measure.

The legislation for the disposable vape ban is expected to be introduced as soon as possible, allowing businesses a buffer period of at least six months to adapt.

As part of the broader strategy, it will soon be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, reinforcing the commitment to create a smoke-free generation.

Efforts to prevent vaping in schools include reviewing the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum, strengthening content around smoking and vaping, and providing teachers with specific training resources.

A public consultation on the revised RSHE curriculum is anticipated in the near future.