Rishi Sunak has made an announcement regarding a prohibition on unscrupulous firms that target children with appealing free samples of vaping products. This decision comes in response to recent data from the NHS which reveals that the usage of e-cigarettes among 11 to 15-year-olds has risen to nine percent in 2021, compared to six percent in 2018. While it is already against the law to sell vapes to individuals under the age of 18, a loophole allows unethical businesses to distribute free samples of vaping products.
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, highlighted the fact that although vaping may assist adult smokers in quitting, it is crucial to prevent non-smokers from being enticed to start vaping. As part of addressing this issue, the Prime Minister has introduced a review to potentially ban the sale of “nicotine-free” vapes to individuals under 18. This ensures that regulations keep up with the evolving use of vaping products.
In relation to this matter, Mr. Sunak expressed concern over the increasing use and promotion of cheap, colorful vaping products, emphasizing that certain businesses are deliberately targeting children. He stated, “I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children. Our new illicit vape enforcement squad, supported by £3 million, is on the case, but clearly there is more to do. That is why I am taking further action today to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products. The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable, and I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good.”
Prof. Whitty echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of discouraging non-smokers from vaping. He stated that there has been a worrying increase in the number of children using vapes, clearly indicating that companies are marketing these products toward children through the use of colors, flavors, and inexpensive disposable options. Closing the loophole that allows companies to distribute free samples of vaping products to individuals under 18 is seen as a positive step in addressing some of the harm caused by the vaping industry. Prof. Whitty added, “We should continue to encourage smokers to switch to vaping as a less risky option, while simultaneously preventing the marketing and sale of vapes to children.”
Additionally, a review will be conducted to examine the rules surrounding the imposition of fines on retailers illegally selling vapes to individuals under 18. The aim is to empower local trading standards officers to issue fines and fixed penalty notices more easily, complementing existing procedures for both illegal and underage sales of vaping and tobacco products.
Neil O’Brien, the Health Minister, commented on the issue, stating, “The shameful marketing of vaping products to children is leading to growing numbers trying e-cigarettes. Today we are therefore ramping up our efforts to stop kids getting hooked on vaping, including taking steps to crack down on companies handing out free vape samples to under 18s and adding lessons on the health risks of vaping within the curriculum for the first time. We will also review the rules on issuing on-the-spot fines to shops that break the law by selling vapes to underage children and look into banning the sale of nicotine-free vapes to under 18s, which we know can be a gateway to using nicotine products. Alongside this, our new specialized ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ will also clamp down on online shops selling illicit vapes to under 18s. This builds on action announced last month to protect our children’s health and tackle underage vaping, while harnessing the potential of vaping to help adult smokers quit.”
A recent survey conducted by Action on Smoking and Health revealed that two out of five young people between the ages of 11 and 17 reported using vapes “just to give it a try,” while about one in five stated that they used vapes because “other people use them so I join in.” In order to further discourage children from taking up vaping, the health risks associated with vaping will be incorporated into Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) lessons as part of the government’s ongoing review of RSHE.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
