Disposable Vapes Set To Be Banned In U.K.
The U.K. government is planning to ban disposable vapes as part of efforts to curb vaping among children and teenagers, which has seen tripled rates in the last three years. The proposed measures also aim to make vaping less appealing to young people by introducing plain packaging, limiting vape flavors, and implementing rules on product display in stores. Although disposable vapes once constituted a small portion of the market, their popularity has surged since 2021 with the introduction of new brands and products.
Retailers will have six months to implement the necessary changes once a formal timeline is established for the ban. The ban aligns with wider plans announced last year to prevent anyone aged 15 or younger from purchasing tobacco products. The government’s decision comes after a 10-week consultation on youth smoking and vaping, with another consultation planned to address issues such as flavored vapes.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a statement, expressed concern about the rising trend of vaping among children, stating, The long-term impacts of vaping are unknown, and the nicotine within them can be highly addictive, so while vaping can be a useful tool to help smokers quit, marketing vapes to children is not acceptable.
The proposed ban has been welcomed by environmental and health groups; however, it is not without controversy. Industry associations argue that it may fuel the illicit vape product market and hinder smokers’ attempts to quit. Marcus Saxton, chair of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, cautioned, Introducing bans on single-use vapes and flavors will have hugely damaging consequences, including making it harder for smokers to quit and pushing ex-smokers back into smoking.
Although the full risks of vaping remain unknown, it is considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes, which contain tar and other cancer-causing byproducts. British public health officials have historically promoted vaping as an effective tool to help people quit smoking. Some experts express concerns that the new legislation may make it more difficult for smokers to quit and call for support for adult smokers who previously relied on disposable vapes to quit.
A recent study conducted by researchers from University College London showed that around 1.2 million adult smokers and nearly 750,000 recent ex-smokers could be affected by the ban on disposable vapes. Lead author Dr. Sarah Jackson emphasized the importance of encouraging these individuals to switch to other types of e-cigarettes rather than returning to smoking tobacco.
Dr. Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, highlighted the significance of supporting smokers in their quitting journey. He stated, Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer, and research shows that vapes are far less harmful than smoking and can help people to quit. Dr. Walker added that if the legislation is passed, the UK government should ensure adequate funding for smoking cessation services and provide the necessary support to help individuals quit.
Health organizations such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health praised the ban as a meaningful step in curbing youth vaping. Dr. Mike McKean, vice president for policy at the Royal College, stated, Bold action was always needed to curb youth vaping. The government must swiftly lay the legislation to ensure it can be fully considered in this Parliament.
The ban on disposable vapes also has environmental benefits. It will contribute to waste reduction and the preservation of lithium, which is used in vape batteries. Currently, around five million disposable vapes are discarded each week in the UK, contributing to pollution. Green Alliance’s head of resource policy, Libby Peake, acknowledged the environmental advantages of the ban, noting that it would prevent valuable lithium-ion batteries from going to waste and eliminate the environmental impact caused by disposable vape casings.
Overall, the proposed ban on disposable vapes in the U.K. seeks to address the rising trend of vaping among young people. While the move has garnered support from health and environmental advocates, concerns have been raised regarding potential unintended consequences, including hindering smokers’ ability to quit. As the legislation progresses through parliament, the focus will be on striking a balance between curbing youth vaping and supporting adult smokers in their cessation efforts.
