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The United Kingdom is set to ban disposable vapes, addressing the significant increase in vaping among the youth.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new legislative package aimed at creating the first smoke-free generation. This initiative comes in response to the growing trend of vaping among children, which Sunak described as a worrying development that needs immediate action.

In a statement, Sunak highlighted the unknown long-term impacts of vaping and the addictive nature of nicotine. He emphasized that while vaping can aid in smoking cessation for adults, marketing these products to children is unacceptable. The proposed legislative package includes measures to regulate the display of vapes in shops, positioning them away from candy and out of sight. Additionally, the government plans to restrict certain vape flavors and packaging that appeal to children.

The new legislation will also make it illegal to sell tobacco products to individuals turning 15 in 2024 or younger. Citing recent data, the government noted that the number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, with 9% of 11-15-year-olds currently vaping.

Sunak reiterated his commitment to the health of the nation’s youth, stating, “As Prime Minister, I have an obligation to do what I think is the right thing for our country in the long term. That is why I am taking bold action to ban disposable vapes — which have driven the rise in youth vaping — and bring forward new powers to restrict vape flavors, introduce plain packaging, and change how vapes are displayed in shops.”