Council wants Government to make it harder to sell vapes to teens
There's been a rise in young people vaping - with reports some now ask for vaping breaks during exams
Last updated 9th Mar 2023
After the numbers of 11 to 18 year olds vaping in Torbay doubled, the council says it'll now write to the Government.
They want plain packaging on vapes, a ban on free samples being given out and rules on what ages people can buy them.
Councillors have voted for a motion by Cordelia Law to 'keep vapes out of sight of children'.
Torbay Council leader Steve Darling says he's heard about pupils asking for vaping breaks during exams
The motion says: "This council acknowledges the role vaping products play in aiding adults to stop smoking, and that vaping products carry a small fraction of the risk, and exposure to toxins, that are associated with cigarettes. However vaping is not risk free; particularly for those who have never smoked. Vaping products contain nicotine and research shows that most children who use them have never smoked."
The council says it notes
• The increased use of vaping products by children in the UK. Recent data from the ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey 2022 found that the prevalence of vaping amongst 11-18 year olds is increasing – from 4% in 2021 to 8.6% in 2022 – and a significant number of children buy these vaping products directly from newsagents or supermarkets;
• There has been an increase in the number of local authorities who have recently had to take enforcement activity against shops illegally selling vaping products to youngsters;
• The marketing of certain vaping products – with bright coloured packaging and flavours such as bubblegum – undoubtedly appeal to children;
• The significant increase in availability of disposable and single-use vaping products which are cheaper and easier for children to access.
It adds: “In the meantime, council calls for the Chief Executive to write to Stephen Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to express the council’s demand for the greater regulation of vaping products," including:
• Vaping products being in plain packaging and kept out of sight behind the counter;
• Mandatory age-of-sale signage on vaping products (this is currently voluntary)
• A ban on free samples of vaping products being given out to people of any age.