British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to unveil plans on Monday to prohibit the sale of disposable vapes, aiming to curb their use among children. Additionally, the government reiterates its commitment to passing a law preventing younger generations from purchasing tobacco. The proposed measures include restrictions on vape flavors, mandatory plain packaging, and changes to display methods to reduce their attractiveness to children.
Sunak emphasized the goal of protecting children’s health in the long term, aligning with the government’s previous commitment to prevent the legal sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 15 or younger. Smoking remains a significant health concern in the UK, causing one in four cancer-related deaths, totaling around 80,000 annually.
While vapes are considered a valuable tool for smoking cessation, concerns persist regarding their potential contribution to nicotine addiction among young people. Statistics indicate that 9% of 11- to 15-year-olds in the UK currently use vapes. In December, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a global ban on all vape flavors.
Despite the health concerns, industry groups, including the UK Vaping Industry Association, argue that vapes pose significantly lower health risks than traditional tobacco products. They contend that flavors play a crucial role in encouraging smokers to transition to vaping.
Prime Minister Sunak stressed his commitment to making decisions that benefit the country in the long term. The proposed measures include not only health benefits but also environmental advantages, as disposable vapes contribute significantly to waste, with five million discarded each week.
