Banning vapes is 'not off the table' for Humza Yousaf
There are concerns that single-use vapes are a risk to the environment, health and young people.
A ban on disposable vapes is "not off the table", First Minister Humza Yousaf has said.
There are concerns that single-use vapes are harmful for our health and the environment, as well as a risk to children.
Fifteen councils have backed a nationwide vape ban, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Speaking today at First Minister's Questions, Humza Yousaf said the Scottish Government is taking the issue "very seriously" and will not shy away from banning disposable vapes.
Review will be next 'stepping stone' in vape debate
Zero Waste Scotland, an environmental group, is currently looking into the harms of these vapes, such as litter and fire risk.
The review is thought to be the next stepping stone in the vape debate. It will advise the Scottish Government if vapes pose a serious enough risk to warrant a ban.
In response to Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who asked the First Minister if a vape ban is being considered on health and environmental grounds, he said: "We will give that consideration.
"Littering, of course, of any kind is unacceptable, I share the member's concerns about the environmental impacts of single-use vapes, not to mention the increased use among children and young people who should not have access to them in the first place."
Gillian Mackay has also voiced concern that vapes are designed to appeal to children, with bright packaging and sweet flavours.
MSP says First Minister must act now
She is calling on Humza Yousaf to take action now, prior to Zero Waste Scotland's final review, by encouraging retailers to keep disposable vapes off display behind shop counters.
She said: "A full ban on disposable vapes is needed. But does the First Minister agree with me that there is much that can be done ahead of a full ban to reduce harm, keeping products away from public view like cigarettes, raising awareness of the legal purchase age, highlighting disposable return points?
"Will the First Minister join with me in calling for retailers to step up to the plate in implementing these measures?"
Humza Yousaf has agreed to this, saying: "I will join in that call and we're keen to work constructively with retailers in this regard."
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