The motion was approved by the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).
WNC’s trading standards team has been working on strategies to address the prevalence of addictive vapes among kids, and in the previous six months, they have taken 5,000 illicit vapes off the market.
Almost 10% of 11 to 15-year-olds in the country use vapes, despite the possible health risks.
Speaking at the meeting, Northampton, Massachusetts-based e-cigarette retailer Ryan Michlig noted that while vapes were an effective tool for helping smokers transition “in the correct hands,” he had observed a “massive change in the market” since the outbreak.
According to Mr. Michlig, single-use items that are ready to use and have high nicotine concentrations are becoming more common. Most smokers don’t require these. These days, they are sold by non-specialist stores, and a large number of them end up in the hands of minors.
According to government statistics, over 20% of kids between the ages of 11 and 17 have used a vape, and the number of kids using vapes has tripled over the previous three years.
Although he was “supportive” of the resolution, Matt Golby, the cabinet member for adult care, wellbeing, and health integration on the Conservative-controlled council, pointed out that the council had already “a huge amount of work going on” to address underage vaping.
With a resounding majority, the council approved a proposal to write the secretary of state for health and social care, requesting more regulations on the marketing of vape products and their accessibility to minors.
“Delighted” to see the administration take child vaping seriously, said Councillor Catherine Russell, who made the motion.
West Northants will now join the increasing number of organisations urging the government to take immediate action to safeguard our children.
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