The government has announced plans to prohibit disposable vapes in an effort to address the increasing number of young individuals adopting vaping. The forthcoming ban is part of a

comprehensive strategy that includes measures to curb marketing aimed at children and combat underage sales.

Statistics from the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) charity indicate that 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds currently vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1% in 2020. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to elaborate on the plans during a school visit, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the rising trend in youth vaping.

The proposed ban is anticipated to apply nationwide, with the government aiming to pass the necessary legislation before the upcoming general election, expected this year. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed confidence in the bill's passage, with implementation targeted for early 2025.

Disposable vapes, often sold in more colorful and compact packaging than refillable alternatives, are identified as a significant contributor to the surge in youth vaping. The government asserts that existing laws prohibiting the sale of vapes to those under 18 have proven insufficient in curbing this trend.

To complement the ban on disposable vapes, the government plans to enforce additional measures, such as restricting the sale of refillable vapes with child-friendly flavors and promoting plainer packaging. Retailers will be given six months to comply once the legislation's timing is confirmed.

Campaigners have long criticized disposable vapes for their environmental impact, citing challenges in safely disposing of materials and chemicals, including lithium batteries. The government's proposed changes also include powers to conceal refillable vapes from children's view in stores and regulate their placement within the retail space.

A public consultation will determine which vape flavors should be banned, and the government intends to introduce fines for illegal vape sales to minors in England and Wales. The proposed legislation also encompasses a ban on nicotine pouches, currently legal for sale to under-18s, to further prevent underage access.

While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, uncertainties persist regarding its long-term risks. Health leaders aim to strike a balance between discouraging youth vaping and facilitating smoking cessation for adults. The government's announcement follows a consultation in which nearly 70% of respondents supported a ban on disposable vapes.

The Scottish and Welsh governments expressed their intent to introduce similar bans, aligning with UK-wide measures or enacting legislation in their respective parliaments. Industry associations representing the vaping sector raised concerns about potential risks associated with the ban, suggesting that better enforcement of existing laws would be more effective.

The UK's decision to ban disposable vapes aligns with similar measures proposed or implemented by countries like Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand. Critics argue that the UK's plans may still fall short, calling for additional policies such as e-cigarette taxation and enhanced efforts to combat illegal content in vapes. Photo by Lindsay Fox from Newport beach, United States, Wikimedia commons.