Popular vape flavours that could be banned as government announces new plans
As part of the King's Speech outlining Labour's legislative agenda for the coming months, the vape flavours that could be banned have been announced.
On 29 January this year, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced via LADbible that the government would introduce new measures to crack down on the worrying rise of young people and children who vape.
New regulations around vaping products
It consists of a ban on disposable vapes altogether across the UK, and a restriction on certain flavours of vapes from being sold that have been marketed specifically at children.
Manufacturers must also produce plainer, less visual packaging.
Advert
The government introduced fines for shops selling vapes to children, and they will have the power to change how vapes are displayed in shops as well.
These measures were introduced after alarming figures showed the sharp increase in children vaping, as nine percent of 11 to 15-year-olds now use vapes, while the number of those vaping between 11 and 17 years old has multiplied by nine in the past two years.
Following Labour's landslide win in the UK's general election on 4 July, the government has chosen to revive Sunak's plans to phase out smoking and impose the aforementioned restrictions.
Restrictions on tobacco
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill also progressively increases the age at which people can buy tobacco so that it will eventually be illegal for people to do so, meaning anyone born after 1 January 2009 will never legally be allowed to smoke.
With the support of health campaigners and charities, the bill - which was shelved once the election was called - is set to go ahead as planned.
Certain vape flavours to be banned
Certain flavours of vapes will not be sold in shops across the country soon, with the likes of bubble gum and candy floss set to be some of the first out the door.
Research shows that children prefer these sweeter flavours compared to other ones like menthol.
Tobacco pouches will also fall under the same restrictions as vapes, with packaging and display of the products under the government's control.
King Charles III's speech on Wednesday (17 July) morning outlined how the 'Bill will provide ministers with powers to regulate the flavours, packaging and display of vapes and other nicotine products.'
More power will be given to Trading Standards officials to fine retailers who sell vapes and tobacco to those under the legal age of 18.
Though the long-term health effects of vaping are unknown, smoking is widely known as the biggest cause of cancer in the world, and is linked to at least 16 types of the deadly disease.
Vaping bill backed by medical and health experts
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief medical officer for England, stated: “A smoke-free country would prevent disease, disability and premature deaths long into the future.
“Smoking causes harm across the life course from stillbirth, asthma in children, cancer, strokes, heart attacks and dementia.
“Most smokers wish they had never started. Secondhand smoke causes harm, including to vulnerable people.
“The Bill to create a smoke-free country in the King’s Speech would be a major step forward in public health,” he concluded.
The King's Speech also touched on how the government will restrict how junk food is advertised to children, as well as the sale of caffeinated energy drinks.
Joshua Nair