Vaping has become a popular trend in recent years, with many people using e-cigarettes to quit smoking or as an alternative to traditional smoking. However, the rise in popularity of vaping has also led to the increased availability of illegal e-cigarettes and vaping products. To combat this issue, the government has announced the launch of “enforcement squads” who will crack down on the sale of illegal vaping products. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current state of vaping in the UK and the government’s efforts to regulate the industry.
The NHS has revealed that one in 10 secondary school students are regular vapers, despite the products being intended for adult smokers trying to quit. This has led to concerns that e-cigarettes are being marketed towards children, and as a result, an “illicit vapes enforcement squad” will be launched to crack down on the problem. Led by Trading Standards, the squad will work across the UK to prevent illegal sales to under-18s and share knowledge across regional networks and local authorities. The government’s priority is to support people in quitting smoking, but it recognises the issue of illicit sales to children and illegal vapes on the market. David Lawson, CEO of Inter Scientific, which tests vaping products, explained that illicit items are often more attractive to children due to their size, colour, and flavour. The government plans to launch a ‘call for evidence’ to decrease the number of children using vapes, while ensuring they remain available for adult smokers as a quit aid.
As vaping continues to grow in popularity, so too does the need to ensure that regulations and guidelines are followed to protect the public from dangerous or untested products. In a bid to clamp down on illegal e-cigarette sales and keep vapers safe, the government has announced its plans to roll out ‘enforcement squads’ to hunt down illicit vendors and sellers. With this move, we can hope for greater transparency and safer practices in the vaping industry, allowing consumers to enjoy their experience without undue risks. Until then, it remains crucial to stay aware of the risks involved and only purchase from reputable sources.
