{"id":25839,"date":"2024-10-10T09:18:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theelectroniccigarette.co.uk\/blog\/?p=25839"},"modified":"2024-10-10T09:19:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:19:23","slug":"underage-vaping-scheme-launched-in-tunbridge-wells","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theelectroniccigarette.co.uk\/blog\/underage-vaping-scheme-launched-in-tunbridge-wells\/","title":{"rendered":"Underage Vaping Scheme launched in Tunbridge Wells"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Underage<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A first of its kind pilot has launched in Tunbridge Wells to tackle underage vaping and the sale of illicit devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Local Vape Action (LVA) scheme will bring together Kent Trading Standards, Kent Police, and the Independent British Vape Association (IBVTA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3 month scheme will deliver targeted action and support the development of local strategies against illicit devices and underage sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2024 study by ASH England revealed that 390,000 children aged 11-17 currently vaped. This figure is down from the previous year, but health experts warn it is still too high (2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each local scheme aims to prevent an increase in child vapers and create innovative ways to help underage users quit the habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike Martin, MP for Tunbridge Wells, said:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBringing together regulators and local authorities, to address this issue head-on, is crucial to ensure retailers are operating responsibly and meeting their legal obligations. It represents a vital step in protecting our young people and fostering a safer, healthier environment for all residents of Tunbridge Wells.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trading Standards will visit over 80 local vape retailers to ensure they’re meeting statutory laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, staff will be educated on current and upcoming government legislation, compliant products, and the importance of Challenge 25. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local Authorities will also work with the community to host fun activities and interventions to help prevent the use of illicit devices and underage vaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gillian Golden CEO of the IBVTA, <\/strong>commented: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe launch of the Local Vape Action (LVA) pilot in Tunbridge Wells provides an excellent opportunity to bring collective knowledge and expertise together to deliver on a comprehensive programme of action to tackle the well-documented issues that undermine a responsible vape sector. We are therefore delighted to be working with partners from across Kent in delivering this first pilot project and take those learnings forward into the development of the national LVA.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the National Local Vape Scheme?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The results of this pilot will inform the development of a National Local Vape Action Scheme set to launch in 2025 across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National LVA will help local authorities devise action plans uniquely tailored to local needs. It will share best practice tips gathered from the pilot, offer start-up funding and expert advice, and toolkits for interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aims of the National Local Vape Action Scheme:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n