As part of the Government publishing a call for evidence to seek expert views on introducing new rules for retailers selling tobacco, vapes and nicotine products, it has announced that children will be better protected from the risks of vaping as part of the proposals.
As previously reported, for the first time shops would need a licence to sell these products - closing a major gap in the law. Currently, any business can sell tobacco or vapes without one. This has allowed rogue traders to sell illicit products on the high street, often targeted at children with cheap, colourful vapes in shops that sell sweets and toys.
The government is also seeking views from experts on the flavours, nicotine strength, and appearance of vapes as part of a series of measures to tackle youth vaping.
Health Minister, Stephen Kinnock (left), said: “We aim to close a major gap in the law - making it necessary for shops to hold a licence to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
“Our new proposals will better protect children by rooting out the rogue retailers blighting our high streets.”
“Our new proposals will better protect children by rooting out the rogue retailers blighting our high streets and help adults know which shops are selling legitimate products.
“We want expert views on how we can develop the strongest possible regulations to protect our children as part of our Plan for Change, while ensuring adult smokers can still use vapes to quit smoking.”
Only responsible businesses will be allowed to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products under the proposals. Those caught breaking the rules face unlimited fines or on-the-spot penalties of £2,500.
The Tobacco & Vapes Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament, will also ban the advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products, and provide powers for regulating flavours, packaging, and how and where vapes and nicotine products are displayed in shops.
Research from King’s College London and University College London strongly suggests that selling vapes in plain packaging could reduce the number of children taking up vaping while still providing a useful tool for adults to quit smoking.
It found 53% of children aged 11 to 18 surveyed felt their peers would be interested in trying vapes when shown branded packaging and flavours but this dropped to 38% with plain packaging and descriptions of flavours. Among adults the interest remained similar.
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