Call for crackdown on illegal youth vaping sales

Public health officials in the East Midlands have raised alarms over the illegal sale and marketing of vapes to minors, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement measures. The Association of Directors of Public Health for the region highlighted a concerning rise in youth vaping, with nearly 8% of 11-17 year olds reportedly using e-cigarettes, according to a survey by health charity ASH. They are advocating for enhanced trading standards to protect children and young people from these products. The UK Vaping Industry Association has acknowledged the necessity for stronger regulations to curb youth access to vaping products. However, they caution that overly stringent bans could inadvertently fuel the black market, making it harder for adult smokers to transition to safer alternatives and potentially driving current vapers back to traditional cigarettes. In response to these concerns, the British Medical Association has called for immediate action, asserting that e-cigarettes should not be accessible to young people. The Conservative government previously introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aimed to balance restrictions for minors while allowing adults to access vaping as a smoking cessation tool. The Labour government has pledged to reintroduce this bill, which includes plans to gradually raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco. The report from the Association of Directors of Public Health will be presented to councils across the East Midlands for endorsement, reflecting a unified stance among health leaders to combat the rising trend of youth vaping and ensure that e-cigarettes are marketed appropriately, without targeting underage individuals.