Government takes steps to crack down on rogue firms targeting children with free samples
Selling vapes to under-18s is illegal, however it is clear from a recent rise in teenage users that firms are using loopholes to market cheap, colourful vapes to children, and we must work to stop this.
That is why I welcome new measures to crackdown on marketing vapes to children, including preventing retailers offering free vape samples to children, adding lessons on the health risks of vapes to the curriculum, and launching a review into banning retailers selling nicotine-free vapes to under-18.
This will help to stop the shameful marketing of vapes to children, protecting their health and helping to cut waiting lists by creating a healthier society.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children.
Our new illicit vape enforcement squad – backed by £3 million – is on the case, but clearly there is more to do. That is why I am taking further action today to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products.
The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable and I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good.
Commenting, Mims Davies MP, said:
Whilst vaping can be an effective quitting tool for smokers, it is important that non-smokers are not encouraged to start vaping. As a mother of two, I am all too familiar with the shameful marketing techniques deployed by companies to appeal to our children. That is why I am pleased to see a ramping up of our efforts to stop kids getting hooked on vaping, including taking steps to crack down on companies handing out free vape samples to under 18s and adding lessons on the health risks of vaping within the curriculum for the first time.
You can read more about the announcements here.
