A significant majority of parents with children under 18 are calling for the legal age to buy vaping products to be increased from 18 to 21, a recent survey reveals. Conducted by Whitestone Insight on behalf of the pressure group the Freedom Association, the poll indicates that two-thirds of parents support raising the vaping age threshold.
David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Freedom Association, emphasised the public’s clear expectations for government action. He criticised current ministerial measures as inadequate, stating, “Ministers are focusing on the wrong target. People want rogue traders and dodgy vape shops shut down, tougher penalties for retailers selling to children and proper enforcement of the law. They do not want superficial measures that do little to stop young people getting hold of vapes.”
Mr Bannerman further expressed concerns over the Labour Party Government’s approach, commenting that “plain packaging and display restrictions” are minor tweaks that fail to address the core issue of illegal sales and irresponsible retailers prioritising profits over public safety. He urged policymakers, including Andy Burnham, to focus on licensing schemes to crack down on problematic shops, citing polling data showing only seven per cent of parents view plain packaging as an effective deterrent.
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These parental views come shortly after Makerfield MP Andy Burnham unveiled plans to crack down on vape shops. The government’s proposals include reforms to planning laws requiring new e-cigarette retailers to secure local council permission before opening. Additionally, the definition of “vape shop” will be tightened to prevent businesses from exploiting loopholes by categorising themselves as general convenience stores.
Further enforcement measures involve extending closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops caught illegally selling tobacco products. Under the new powers, shops can face closure for up to twelve months, doubling the previous six-month limit - a policy initially proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced these enhanced powers will equip police and local authorities to take more decisive action against retailers flouting the law, aiming to protect young people from illegal tobacco and vaping product access.
As the UK Prime Minister embarks on a nationwide tour focusing on a “10-year plan to bring back hope,” the government appears to be prioritising both enforcement and regulatory changes to tackle youth vaping and illegal product sales.