Tuesday is the last day to submit comments regarding the sale and distribution of single-use vapes.
Following a UK-wide consultation on the matter, the Scottish Government has endorsed suggestions that led to a “clear majority” in favour of an absolute prohibition.
The proposed law would impose a ban that would take effect on April 1, 2025.
Restrictions on vape flavours and promotions, together with a modification to the legal age of tobacco product purchase, will be implemented.
Which regulations have changed?
The bill will outlaw the sale of single-use e-cigarettes and prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone who was born on or after January 1, 2009.
Vape flavours, how they are packaged, and how they are exhibited in stores will all be subject to limitations.
The regulations will offer local authorities further authority to issue fixed penalty notices to violators of the vape and tobacco product age of sale rules.
Reusable and refillable vaporizers will continue to be offered in addition to pharmaceuticals and nicotine patches as aids in quitting smoking.
Why is the prohibition required?
According to recent data, children are being exposed to vape marketing at an unprecedented level, and they are predominantly choosing vaporizers with fruit and dessert flavours.
Children in Great Britain are becoming more conscious of vape marketing, both in stores and on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, according to the annual survey results from Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).
The same percentage as last year (7.6%) of 2,587 youngsters aged 11 to 17 who participated in the 2024 survey also vaccinated, up from 2.8% in 2017 and 0.8% in 2013.
According to the study’s specialists, there are also signs that regular vaping is becoming more widespread among this age group (4.5%) compared to using a vape device less frequently than once a week (3.1%).
For the first time, regular use (more than once a week) is outpacing sporadic use in this year’s data.
According to statistics that was only provided to the PA news agency, 57% of vapers who are children and 47% of vapers who are adults prefer fruit as their primary vape flavour.
Furthermore, youngsters (17%) are twice as likely as adults (8.8%) to enjoy vapes with sweet flavours and those with vanilla or chocolate tastes.
The data for 2024 also revealed how popular “ice vapes” are with kids and teenagers. These devices are touted as providing a “cool, icy exhale,” which is akin to menthol flavour but lacking the richer, minty taste.
Approximately 45% of youth vapers and 65% of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 reported using ice vapes.
According to the poll, the percentage of kids who are aware of vape advertising is at an all-time high when it comes to the marketing of vapes.
It is comforting to know that teen vaping has not decreased over the past year, but it has also not increased, according to Deborah Arnott, CEO of Ash.
To stop youth vaping, strict measures are still required.
Teenagers are more exposed to vape marketing than ever before, therefore passing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is crucial to implementing the new restrictions on promotion as soon as possible.
If any of the challenges outlined in this article are impacting you, please reach out to us, and our team will try to assist in any way we can.