Essex shop owner thinks new Vape Bill doesn't go "far enough"
The Tobacco and Vape Bill, introduced in parliament on 5 November, aims to create "first smoke-free generation"
A vape shop owner in Debden has said a new Bill to create the "first smoke-free generation" - introduced in Parliament on 5 November - doesn't "go far enough".
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which prevents anyone born after January 1 2009 from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought, has been introduced in the House of Commons.
The Bill will introduce restrictions on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as restricting flavours, displays and the packaging of e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal to children and young people.
Disposable vapes will be banned from June 1 2025 under separate environmental legislation.
However Ryan Wright, who owns a vape shop in Debden, says this ban should be enforced sooner in "convenience stores, supermarkets, and corner shops."
"I think disposables should only be allowed to be sold in vape shops. Supermarkets and corner stores open a lot later which means children can get hold of them at a much later time.
"Only selling them in vape stores will target them more towards an adult audience.
"Some supermarkets have disposables on shelves as if they're a normal product, they should be behind the counter.
"Disposables became so appealing to kids because they could be sold everywhere. Limiting them just to vape shops, which have a strict over 18 policy, until the ban in 2025, will prevent the younger generation from getting their hands on them", says Mr Wright.
It is hoped the "historic" legislation could "save thousands of lives and protect the NHS", according to ministers.
Indoor smoking ban powers could also be extended to some outdoor spaces, with children's playgrounds, and outside schools and hospitals being considered.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS. Prevention is better than cure.
"This Government is taking bold action to create the first smoke-free generation, clamp down on kids getting hooked on nicotine through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from the harms of secondhand smoke.
A similar Bill was tabled by the previous government, but was shelved as a result of the general election being called.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the number of cancers caused by smoking has increased by 17% since 2003.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, welcomed the introduction of the Bill.
He said: "This is a major piece of legislation which if passed will have a positive and lasting impact on the health of the nation.
"A smokefree country would prevent disease, disability and premature deaths for children born today and for people long into the future.
Professor Sanjay Agrawal, NHS England national speciality advisor for tobacco dependency said: "NHS treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, are helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives and we have seen adult smoking rates drop by more than half in the last three decades.
"But there is more to do, so we welcome this public health intervention and look forward to working with government to help the next generation grow up smoke and vape-free."