Labour Party to Crack Down on Vape Use in Children

The Labour Party wasted no time in hopping back on the disposable vapes bandwagon after coming into power. Their current stance is threatening to eradicate disposable vapes with an outright ban. Although the vaping industry were prepared for this kind of move, the ministers are also drawing up plans which are aimed at restricting flavour options, packaging, displays, and branding of vape devices.

We know from previous studies that flavour and getting the correct nicotine strength both have an impact on a smoker’s ability to quit. Although the government makes these moves under the guise of protecting the UK’s children, we cannot help but point out the negative impact this will have on smokers who are relying upon disposables to quit.

Speaking in Parliament, PM Kier Starmer announced that labour would support a ban to “curb the rising number of young people taking up vaping. Labour also plan to stick to the proposed Vape Tax, which will see an increase of up to £3 per bottle of 10ml vape juice.

This move comes off the back of figures which point out that one in five of 11-17 year olds had tried vaping, 7.2% of those admit to vaping regularly or occasionally.

Government Smoking Ban Extends to E-cigs

The government recently came under attack over plans to ban smoking and vape use in several public places, such as gardens and parks. Further moves to regulate the flavours, packaging, and availability of vape products could have a negative impact on public health. As the Telegraph warns, cracking down on these facets of electronic cigarette use might send children back to smoking, deterring them from vapes which are – although problematic – the less harmful option.

BMA Backs Ban of Vape Juice Flavours

The British Medical Association have come under fire recently for their outright backing of a ban which might include flavour restrictions. They have voiced the opinion that all flavours other than tobacco be banned. John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, has called the move “deluded”. Banning flavours will deter smokers from quitting.

Under the advisement of these organisations, the labour government, formerly slow to announce their intentions with regards to vape device use, may extend the ban to include banning vaping in beer gardens and indoor spaces.

One thing that the current government have improved upon with regards to vaping is the introduction of proposals for a vape licensing scheme. Vape licensing would permit better regulation of the industry, providing retailers with a license which could better regulate the influx of illegal vape devices into the UK.