A survey by Whitestone Insight for the Freedom Association has found that two thirds of parents with children under 18 believe the legal age for buying vaping products should be raised from 18 to 21. The findings come as Andy Burnham, the Member of Parliament for Makerfield, considers new measures to tackle the sale of vapes to young people.
Public support for tougher action
The polling, conducted by Whitestone Insight, indicates that 66% of parents with children under 18 support increasing the minimum age for purchasing vaping products. The survey was commissioned by the Freedom Association, a pressure group that campaigns on civil liberties and related issues.
David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Freedom Association, said: “The public’s message is crystal clear. Ministers are focusing on the wrong target. People want rogue traders and dodgy vape shops shut down, tougher penalties for retailers selling to children and proper enforcement of the law. They do not want superficial measures that do little to stop young people getting hold of vapes.”
Criticism of plain packaging approach
The Freedom Association argues that the current government approach, which includes plain packaging and display restrictions, is not effective. According to the polling, only seven per cent of parents with children under 18 believe plain packaging is an effective deterrent.
Mr Campbell Bannerman added: “The Labour Party Government is tinkering around the edges with plain packaging and display restrictions when the real problem is illegal sales and irresponsible shopkeepers chasing profits. Burnham says he is willing to prioritise and fix issues people care about. The evidence is clear. Get moving with licensing to crack down on the dodgy shops and park plans for plain packaging.”
Burnham's vape shop crackdown
The comments come days after Mr Burnham unveiled his plans to crack down on vape shops. The proposals are part of a wider government initiative, with the prime minister undertaking a tour of the UK. Downing Street said he will be in “listening mode” during his visits as he works on a “10-year plan to bring back hope”.
The government's plans include changes to planning law that would require every new shop selling e-cigarettes or vapes to apply to their local council for permission to open. In addition, the definition of a vape shop would be tightened to prevent businesses from avoiding the rules by describing themselves as a general convenience store or retailer.
Extended closure orders for illegal sales
The government also plans to extend closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco for up to twelve months. This measure was previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is giving police and councils powers to shut down mini-marts and vape shops caught selling illegal tobacco or vapes for up to 12 months, doubling the current maximum of six months.
