When will disposable vapes be banned - full list of new rules on e-cigarettes
A major shake-up of the rules on vaping has been announced as ministers try to discourage youngsters taking up the habit.
The Government argues the changes are needed to protect kids as figures show one in five has now tried vaping despite it being illegal for under-18s.
E-cigarettes can be helpful for smokers wanting to quit, but there are worries that the addictive habit is being taken up by those who have never had cigarettes. Research shows that half of those aged between 18 and 24 who use disposable vapes do so despite no history of smoking.
Health Minister Andrea Leadsom said: “We are in the midst of a worrying rise in young people vaping. I want to stop youth vaping in its tracks – and a ban on disposable vapes is central to that. Nicotine is highly addictive – and so it is completely unacceptable that children are getting their hands on these products, many of which are undeniably designed to appeal to young people."
Here’s the full details of the changes that have been announced.
They look and taste like sweets - no wonder underage vaping is sweeping Britain
Disposable vapes ban
Disposable vapes will be completely banned because of concerns they are fuelling the dramatic increase in youth vaping.
Health campaigners have warned that children are being lured in by pocket money prices, with throwaway products available for as little as £3. There is also a problem with litter as five million disposable vapes are thrown away each week.
The ban is expected to come into force next year. The Government will need to pass legislation and shops are expected to be given at least six months to prepare. The ban will apply in England, Wales and Scotland.
Flavour restrictions
Ministers will get new powers that will allow them to restrict the flavours of vaping liquid you can buy. They particularly want to get rid of products that appeal to children.
The Government could ban all flavours except tobacco, mint, menthol and fruit, but a final decision is yet to be made. Ministers will hold further discussions including with health experts and retailers before announcing the changes.
Rishi Sunak is understood to be concerned that sweeter flavours such as "candyfloss" are being used to hook children.
Plain packaging
New rules on packaging will be introduced to make vapes less appealing to youngsters, but are yet to be decided. It is thought that bright colours could be removed from the boxes and cartons that products such as vaping liquid refills come in.
Standardised packaging was introduced for cigarettes in 2016, with rules prohibiting any branding other than the brand name in small typeface on the pack.
Out of sight in shops
The Government also will consult on rules on how vapes are displayed in shops, for example moving them out of sight of kids. Retailers could also be told they must keep them away from products that appeal to children such as sweets.
New fines will be introduced for shops in England and Wales that sell vapes illegally to children. Restrictions were introduced for cigarettes a decade ago that mean it is illegal to display tobacco products at the point of sale.
Woman put on life support for eight days thanks to vaping addiction
Vape tax
Ministers are still considering whether to introduce a new tax on vaping to make it less affordable for kids to take up the habit, although they are expected to wait to see the impact of the ban on disposables first.
The Government is looking to copy European countries such as Germany and Italy that already have levies on vapes. A 10ml bottle of e-liquid, which a typical vaper would get through in a week, costs around £4 at present. In Germany, a £1.40 vape tax is slapped on 10ml bottles, with plans to double this to £2.80 in 2026. Italy, which in 2014 became the first country to tax e-cigarette fluid, charges a £1.10 levy on 10ml bottles.
The Government has said it wants to encourage people who smoke cigarettes to switch to vaping, whilst discouraging non-smokers - particularly children - from starting vaping.
Smoking rules
The Government has confirmed that it plans to push ahead with its gradual ban on smoking.
Rishi Sunak has announced plans to raise the legal age you can buy cigarettes and tobacco in England, which is currently 18, by one year every year. If MPs approve the idea it will mean anyone who turns 15 this year, will never be allowed to purchase fags.
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