A recent study suggests that selling vapes in plain packaging could help reduce their appeal to children. Researchers from UCL and King’s College London discovered that adults are still inclined to purchase e-cigarettes even if they are packaged plainly.
Vapes are commonly used as a tool to aid smoking cessation, but the increasing use among children who have never smoked before is raising significant concerns. The study involved 2,770 children and young individuals aged 11 to 18, as well as nearly 4,000 adults. It revealed that 53% of youngsters believed their peers would be attracted to vapes in vibrant packaging, which decreased to 38% when shown vapes in standardized packs with regular flavor descriptions. Interestingly, adults showed similar interest regardless of whether the packs were white or branded.
The ongoing Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to prohibit brightly colored packaging and vape flavors that entice children, such as bubble gum and cotton candy. Additionally, the legislation targets making Britain smoke-free by restricting individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, from legally purchasing tobacco products. Moreover, disposable vapes have already been banned earlier this year.
Dr. Eve Taylor, the lead author from UCL’s Department of Behavioral Science and Health, emphasized the need for vape packaging and flavor regulations to strike a balance that deters young and non-smokers while supporting smokers who wish to quit.
According to Hazel Cheeseman, the chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, the study underscores the importance of effective vape regulation to safeguard children without undermining their role as smoking cessation aids.
Plans are in progress to grant local communities the authority to block new vaping and gambling establishments as part of a strategy to revive Britain’s high streets. Keir Starmer is set to introduce town planning reforms this week, empowering communities to dictate where stores can operate and how many are permitted in their localities.
The Prime Minister is anticipated to announce increased funding to support these reforms, with a focus on empowering local councils and communities through various projects. Efforts are being made to expedite the process by which communities can take over vacant shops to avoid clusters of vape, gambling, and barber shops on high streets.