Public Health Wales calls for 'total ban' of disposable vapes
The national public health institute for Wales said disposable vapes were "very strongly associated with rises in vaping among children and young people".
Thursday 7 December 2023 16:32, UK
Welsh public health leaders have called for a ban on disposable vapes as part of measures aimed at tackling the use of e-cigarettes by young people.
Public Health Wales said disposables were "very strongly associated with rises in vaping among children and young people" and also highlighted concerns about their environmental impact.
It comes weeks after Rishi Sunak pledged to crack down on smoking and vaping.
The organisation acknowledges vapes can help adults quit smoking but it is concerned companies are "targeting new markets for nicotine addiction".
After conducting a consultation on vaping, Public Health Wales has urged the same restrictions that currently apply to tobacco products are applied to the "marketing, packaging and display of e-cigarettes".
It also reaffirmed its "strong support" for raising the age at which tobacco can be sold in the UK.
Dr Julie Bishop, director of health improvement for Public Health Wales, said it believed the products should be sold in "standardised packaging in plain colours with no logos".
"Vapes should also be stored behind the counter, and not on display, to mirror the approach for tobacco products," she said.
"These measures have been very effective in tackling smoking uptake amongst children and young people."
A Welsh government spokesperson added: "We want to take strong action to stop young people from starting smoking in the first place and to prevent vapes being used by and targeted at children," they added.
Read more:
Elf Bar vape adverts banned over 'misleading' claims
France votes to ban disposable vapes
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
A government consultation which "sought views on a range of measures to prevent vapes being used by and appealing to young people" closed on Wednesday.
"We asked for views on proposals to restrict the supply and sale of single use vapes because not only are these products damaging to our environment, but there is also evidence of a significant and widespread increase in their use by children.
"We are working closely with the other nations of the UK to understand the views provided during the consultation and to develop our next steps."