Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared that the UK will propose laws to outlaw disposable e-cigarettes in an effort to combat the rising prevalence of underage vaping.
Before formally announcing his idea, Sunak stated, “As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends at the moment is the rise in vaping among children, and so we must act before it becomes endemic.”
“I’m taking decisive action to outlaw disposable vapes, which are the main cause of the surge in youth vaping. I’m also proposing new regulations to limit the flavors of vapes, implement plain packaging, and alter how vapes are exhibited in stores,” he continued.
According to recent data provided by the government, the percentage of vapers under the age of 18 who use disposables has nearly tripled over the previous two years.
The government of Sunak also intends to impose fines on stores in England and Wales that unlawfully sell vape devices to minors.
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said that the legislation would have “a major public health impact across many future generations,” and other health professionals praised the proposal.
Last year, Sunak put up plans to eventually ban smoking in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from Sunak’s Downing Street office, his proposal would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anybody born on or after January 1, 2009, thereby raising the smoking age by one year annually until it applies to the entire population.
“I suggest that going forward, the smoking age be raised annually by one year. That implies that a 14-year-old today will never be able to lawfully purchase cigarettes, and that they can grow up smoke-free along with their generation,” Sunak stated in October at the annual convention of his Conservative Party.
In England and Wales, the legal age to purchase tobacco products is currently eighteen.