Call for crackdown on illegal youth vaping sales

East Midlands health officials want a regional crackdown on the sale of vapes to children

Public health officials from across the East Midlands have called for a regional crackdown on the “concerning” and “inappropriate” illegal sale and marketing of vapes to under 18s.

The Association of Directors of Public Health for the East Midlands said: “The increase in youth vaping is concerning, and public health teams across the East Midlands should continue to monitor the situation."

It called for trading standards to be given "the tools necessary to undertake enforcement work and other measures to protect children and young people".

The UK Vaping Industry Association said it agreed stronger measures were needed to cut off the supply of youth vaping and illicit products.

Nearly 8% of 11-17 year olds vape, according to figures from an online survey of 2,000 children by health charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health).

The British Medical Association has called for action, saying vapes have no rightful place in young people’s lives.

In February, the Conservative government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aimed at "striking the right balance" between restricting access for children and maintaining it for adults trying to quit smoking.

When Labour took over, it announced it would reintroduce the bill, which would also gradually increase the age at which people can buy tobacco.

The Association of Directors of Public Health for the East Midlands includes senior health officials from Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, North Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and West Northamptonshire.

Its report will be put to councils across the region to endorse, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report said: “E-cigarettes are an age restricted product, and we are against inappropriate marketing practices that promote them to under 18’s."

The UK Vaping Industry Association said bans could "supercharge the black market" and push the nation’s smoke-free ambitions further out of reach "by deterring adult smokers from making the switch and driving current vapers into the hands of underground sellers or back to cigarettes".

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