Disposable vapes must be slapped with new £5 tax to protect kids, warn campaigners
VAPES should have a £5 tax on them to discourage children, campaigners say.
Action on Smoking and Health called on the Government to impose greater restrictions on disposable e-cigarettes.
Brands like Elf Bars are available for “pocket money prices” of just £4.99, fuelling their popularity in teenagers, the charity said.
It comes after Rishi Sunak announced a clampdown on underage use by closing a loophole allowing stores to offer free samples to young people.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said: “Now that the Prime Minister is convinced, perhaps action will finally be taken.
“Children are highly price sensitive so top of our list is to make disposable vapes less affordable by adding a £5 excise tax.
“This would not only increase the price but also make their distribution subject to much more stringent controls, making it easier to prevent illicit and underage sales.”
One in ten children aged 11 to 15 use e-cigs, NHS figures show — even though selling them to under-18s is illegal.
Mr Sunak vowed to tackle the “grim reality” of surging underage vaping, adding: “Nothing is more important than protecting our kids.”
He announced plans to introduce anti-vape squads that can fine shopkeepers who sell to teens, and children will also learn about the harms of vaping in school.
ASH published its four priority recommendations to the Government today.
Alongside the added tax, the campaign group called for an end to e-cigarette promotions in shops, apart from stores that are age-restricted specialist vape shops.
It also said branding with appeal to children should be prohibited.
Professor Jamie Brown, of University College London, said: “Addressing the availability of cheap and illicit disposable vapes is a vital first step.
“But this must be backed up by a comprehensive regulatory approach which reduces not just affordability but also access, appeal and advertising of vapes to children.”
But ASH also called for more funding for anti-smoking campaigns that promote vaping as the most effective way to quit in adults.
Professor Nick Hopkinson, of ASH, said: “Smoking remains the biggest health problem for adults and children.
“We urgently need the bold, new tobacco control measures such as increases in the age of sale.”