UK government set to ban disposable vapes in effort to curb youth vaping

In a move to address the alarming rise in youth vaping, the UK government, led by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, is set to prohibit disposable vapes. The initiative aims to make vaping less appealing to children by restricting flavors, introducing plain packaging, and minimizing displays in shops. These changes are anticipated to take effect by late 2024 or early 2025. Sunak emphasised the urgency of tackling the growing trend among children, stating, “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.” The decision is part of a comprehensive response to a public consultation on smoking and vaping, resulting in some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking measures. These measures include a ban on selling tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2009. While acknowledging vaping’s potential for aiding adult smokers in quitting, concerns among doctors revolve around the unknown long-term health impact on young people. Recent statistics reveal a tripling in the number of children using vapes over the past three years, with disposable vape usage among 11- to 17-year-olds increasing nearly nine-fold in the last two years. Apart from curbing youth vaping, the ban on disposable vapes is expected to address environmental concerns, as approximately 5 million vapes are discarded weekly. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health praised the move, considering it a meaningful step in the right direction. However, Dr. Mike McKean emphasised the need for close monitoring and scrutiny of the impact on children’s behavior and smokers. The government’s plan also includes fines for shops illegally selling vapes to children, along with outlawing vaping alternatives for minors. The legislation is set to be implemented in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland through devolved laws. Despite support from 70% of respondents in a public consultation, including parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, the UK Vaping Industry Association expressed dismay, suggesting that bans might discourage smokers from using vapes to quit. The association is presenting an industry-wide consultation-based scheme to parliamentarians in February to address the issue of underage sales more effectively.