Tackling the current rise in underage use.
In this article...
The UK Government has expressed its commitment to vaping as a solution to reduce smoking rates as part of its Smokefree 2030 initiative. But, an equal desire is to reduce the number of underage users. Let’s examine the opinions of the IBVTA on youth vaping and its desire to help the government reduce it.
The main issue
Reports show that children as young as 11 are getting their hands on e-cigarettes. Mainly disposables that offer strong flavours and high nicotine levels. While these devices can certainly help adult smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes, they pose a risk to underage users. According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), 11% of 11-17 year olds have experimented with vaping.
Vaping products are often available at supermarkets, pharmacies, vaping stores. These stores have expertise in age-restricted products and implementing them using ‘challenge 25‘.
Many businesses that don’t usually sell age-restricted items are now selling vaping products. This leads to an increase in their availability in non-traditional stores. The IBVTA is committed to helping the government address this issue. Also, these shops are the main source of vapes that end up in the hands of underage users. ASH report that26% of the 11-17 year olds who currently use vapes say they purchase from a newsagent, a corner shop or an off licence.
Another issue is the penalties that retailers receive. Currently, fines forselling to those underage are low and often not enforced. The maximum fine, when issued, is only £2,500. The IBVTA recommends raising this to at least £10,000.
What’s the solution?
The issue with vaping is not the act itself. In fact, the government endorses and recognizes e-cigarettes as a valuable weapon in the battle against smoking. The real problem lies with irresponsible retailers who do not properly verify age. Also, the importation of illegal vapes need tighter policing by customs. Addressing these two factors could significantly decrease the amount of youth who vape. Also, they don’t need to enforce packaging changes, flavour limitations, or disposable bans. These would only harm adult vapers who are looking to make a healthier choice.
When asked about the issue of youth vaping, chair of the IBVTA Marcus Saxton said:
For over a decade many hundreds of reputable businesses have been investing in systems, processes and associated training to ensure that the necessary age verification protocols are consistently adopted and adhered to. We ensure that these transformative products are only accessible to adults, over 18 years old. We know that there is a link between retailers whom are happy to sell illicit/illegal products, which have never gone through the necessary MHRA notification and underage sales. For the safety of our children, we must do everything possible to support the enforcement agencies to stamp out this wholly inappropriate, and damaging actions of the minority.
Marcus Saxton (2023)
Local Vape Action Scheme
A firstkind pilot has launched in Tunbridge Wells to tackle underage vaping sales in partnership with the IBVTA.
The scheme aims to educate retailers on Government legislation to ensure businesses are implementing statutory laws.
What to find out more? Check out our blog ‘ Underage Vaping Scheme Launches in Tunbridge Wells’.
Although we can predict the action of more measures to discourage youth vaping, there is still more to do. The government is already considering how trading standards can impose fines to address the issue. Essentially, the needed tools are already available, and they just need better enforcement. With the views of theIBVTA on youth vaping being shared with the government, I’m sure there will only be positive changes in the future.
