Disposable Vapes Could Be Banned Under Potential Government Plans Amid Smoking Crackdown

The government is reportedly considering a ban on disposable vapes as part of a broader effort to crack down on outdoor smoking.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently emphasised the need for decisive action against smoking, labelling it as a 'preventable death' during a conversation with journalists in Paris.

This consideration comes after The Sun published what appears to be leaked government plans that suggest a possible ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces, such as small parks, outdoor dining areas, and hospital grounds.

Sir Keir highlighted the significant strain smoking places on the NHS and taxpayers, stating, "We are going to take decisions in this space. More details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths, and we’ve got to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and the taxpayer."

In addition to the focus on outdoor smoking, the government is also reportedly looking into banning disposable vapes, especially in light of their growing popularity among young people. According to a survey by the health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), nearly 8% of children aged 11 to 17 are using vapes, a figure that has doubled since 2020.

A government source informed The Telegraph that ministers are currently exploring the possibility of moving forward with a ban on disposable vapes. This was echoed by a government spokesperson who told LADbible that the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to curb the appeal of vapes to children by regulating their flavours, packaging, and display in stores.

The spokesperson also noted that broader restrictions on the sale and supply of disposable vapes are under review.

Sir Keir has previously expressed his support for such a ban, particularly due to the impact vapes have on children. He criticised the Conservative government for its slow response, saying, "We have been campaigning for this for two years. So I have a question for the government which is why has it taken two years to get to this stage. We have wasted two years."

While smoking-related illnesses result in approximately 100,000 deaths annually in the UK, experts like Professor Jeremy Pearson of the British Heart Foundation caution against non-smokers taking up vaping.

He noted that although e-cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional tobacco, their long-term effects on heart health and overall wellbeing remain uncertain. Pearson emphasised that e-cigarettes should only be used as a tool to help smokers quit and should never be adopted by non-smokers.