𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Britons believe tough action against rogue vape dealers is the best way to protect young people from harm. The vast majority of people say tougher penalties for retailers who sell vapes to children (84%) and more inspections and stronger enforcements against illegal sellers (82%) will prove effective.

In contrast, fewer than four in 10 (39%) think plain packaging for vapes – a proposal now under consultation by the Government – will be effective at protecting children from vaping-related harm. Under the proposals, all packaging for vaping and nicotine products would be white.

There is much stronger support among Britons with children aged under 18 for the legal age for buying vapes to be raised from 18 to 21, with two-thirds thinking this will deliver results.

David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Freedom Association, commented on the the polling by Whitestone Insight, saying: “The public’s message is crystal clear. Ministers are focusing on the wrong target. People want rogue traders and dodgy vape shops shut down, tougher penalties for retailers selling to children and proper enforcement of the law. They do not want superficial measures that do little to stop young people getting hold of vapes. Starmer’s Government was tinkering around the edges with plain packaging and display restrictions when the real problem is illegal sales and irresponsible shopkeepers chasing profits. Burnham says he is willing to prioritise and fix issues people care about. The evidence is clear, get moving with licensing to crackdown on the dodgy shops and park plans for plain packaging.”

However, Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) welcomed the Government’s approach, saying: “We know from tobacco that tackling marketing is key to reducing use among young people and our own research shows measures such as addressing bright colours on products are popular with the public. The measures the government are bringing forward aim to do this while ensuring adult smokers can still use vapes as a quit aid.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act, which became law in April, provides powers to introduce a new licensing scheme for retailers selling tobacco, vapes and nicotine products, strengthening enforcement and supporting law-abiding retailers, while tackling those who break the law. Protecting children from the harms of vaping is a top priority for this government.That is why we are also taking action to stop vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately branded, promoted, and advertised to children, and cracking down on rogue retailers by investing up to £10million a year to tackle illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales.”