Disposable vape ban a blessing in disguise in Suffolk

On January 29, the Government announced that disposable vapes will be banned in the UK as part of plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children's health.

Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health charity suggest that 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1% in 2020.

In addition to this, a spokesperson for Suffolk Trading Standards said: "We receive approximately 10 reports a month related to the sale of restricted products to underage individuals, of those reports, approximately 70% are linked to the sale of vapes."

What's Ya Flava in Felixstowe Road (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesperson for What's Ya Flava, a vape shop in Felixstowe Road, said: "Last year they were very popular.

"Since the idea of a ban was announced in the middle of last year, the interest started to decline.

"They're not as popular in our shop now, I think because you can pretty much get them anywhere now so you can just go at your convenience.

"For us, it's a blessing."

Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: "I welcome the government’s proposal to ban disposable vapes.

Councillor Andrew Reid (Image: Suffolk County Council)

"The Chief Medical Officer’s guidance on vaping is clear: If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don’t smoke, don’t vape; marketing vapes to children is utterly unacceptable.

"Suffolk’s Tobacco Control Alliance works in partnership to prevent people from starting to smoke or vape, support people to quit smoking and to protect people from illicit tobacco, illegal vapes and underage sales.

"Smoking is the UK’s biggest preventable killer and any measure to reduce the harms of smoking is welcomed by Suffolk County Council

"Anyone concerned about a retailer selling vapes to children under 18, should report this to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133."

The government has banned disposable vapes after concerns for children's health (Image: PA)

Councillor David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association's (LGA) community wellbeing board, added: "We’re delighted that the Government has listened to the longstanding concerns of the LGA and councils and are taking decisive action to ban single-use vapes.  

"Disposable vapes are inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban remains the most effective solution to this problem. 

"Single-use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres.

"Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and are a risk to the health of young people.  

Rishi Sunak announced the decision on January 29 (Image: PA)

"We look forward to working with the Government and others to enforce this ban as well as ensure plans for a smoke-free generation are a success."

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner for England and founder of Inspiration Trust which serves schools across Norfolk and Suffolk, said: "As Children’s Commissioner, I want all children to grow up healthy and well, which is why I have been calling for disposable vapes to be banned, to protect children and prevent them from becoming addicted. 

"I am absolutely delighted that the government has listened to the appeals that I, and many others, have made to ban disposable vapes.

Dame Rachel de Souza (Image: PA)

"I also welcome the decision to create far tighter restrictions on marketing and flavours of vapes so they aren't so appealing to children and young people.

"When I asked children a couple of years ago about all aspects of their health and wellbeing, I was shocked and concerned to hear from children as young as 12 who told me that vaping was normalised among their peers - even on school premises.

"This announcement will help tackle that issue and I know that many children and parents will be extremely relieved."