UK bans vapes as number of teenage users shatters three years record

The United Kingdom government has implemented a ban on disposable vapes due to a rising number of children becoming addicted to such tobacco products over the past three years. Official statistics reveal a threefold increase in the use of vapes among children during this period.

According to the data from market researcher NIQ and The Grocer, vaping products experienced a surge in value sales, reaching 897.4 million pounds ($1.15 billion) in 2023.

Despite existing regulations prohibiting the sale of vape and tobacco to underage individuals, disposable vapes, with their smaller and more colorful packaging, have been sold in violation of these restrictions.

In response to the growing issue, the government proposed a ban on younger generations purchasing cigarettes in October, acknowledging the need to address youth vaping as well. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the impact of single-use vapes on the increase in youth vaping.

Recent developments indicate that measures will be taken to prevent the sale of vapes in the market that specifically targets underage children.

Disposable vapes, widely used according to recent research, pose challenges, as a study published this month revealed that 1.2 million current UK smokers and 744,000 former smokers rely on these disposable products.

Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow at University College London, highlighted potential unintended consequences of a ban on these groups.